An AP student who was working part-time at a US supermarket was severely injured in Mississippi when a black customer dragged him for about 100 metres in his car following an argument over billing on May 17.

News of the attack came to light on Saturday when the relatives of Kadiyala Murali Krishna, 22, spoke about it,

According to Mr Kadiyala Venkatarao, the victim’s father, a black person purchased some articles in the shop and refused to clear the bills. This led to heated arguments between Mr Krishna and the customer.

The customer rushed to his car, closed the door and drove away. Mr Krishna was following the customer and his shirt got stuck to the car door. The customer still drove away, dragging Mr Krishna on the road.

He stopped after 100 metres, opened the door to release Mr Krishna and fled. Mr Krishna suffered severe injuries to his ribs and right leg, Mr Venkatrao said. The local police immediately hospitalised Mr Krishna and informed his friends.

His parents received the information later. The police immediately nabbed the culprit. Mr Krishna underwent surgery for fracture on his leg but is recovering now at the University of Alabama hospital. His family members in Koppalli village of Tenali rural mandal said Mr Krishna had been advised rest for four months. Mr Krishna completed his engineering from Anna University, Chennai in March 2007 and went to the US to pursue MS in computer sciences about 18 months ago at Mississippi University. Mr Krishna’s mother, Ms Samrajyam, is taking help from officials in Hyderabad to get a passport to meet her son, said Mr Venkatarao.

"

# # # # #