This is how West Godavari's 'needle attacker' looks according to the police

Andhra Pradesh Police on Friday released a digital sketch of the infamous 'needle attacker' involved in various attacks on women in the state's West Godavari district.

This came a day after they announced a reward of Rs.50,000 for anyone giving information leading to the arrest of the suspected psychopath.

District Superintendent of Police Bhaskar Bhushan told reporters in Eluru that only one person is involved in the attacks and that police have formed 40 teams to arrest the attacker.

"One or two needles were also recovered. They were sent for medical and forensic examination. No poison, drugs or bacteria virus were found. There is no need for women to panic," he said.

Teams have been constituted to track down the accused  and fifteen check posts have also been set up for checking the vehicles.

However, speaking to TNM, Bhushan said there were no incidents since Thursday.

"We believe that the man is in his thirties and he seems to be getting some perverted pleasure in pricking women with a needle," he said.

Around 17 women, including six school and college girls, have been among his victims. While some of them fell unconscious, the police and doctors have maintained that it was out of shock.

The first case occured on the evening of August 22 when a schoolgirl from  from Yandagandi village in Undi mandal was returning home and was pricked in the shoulder by a man on a speeding bike.

Palakoderu mandal witnessed three more incidents and Ganapavaram mandal saw one on Tuesday evening.

Rajahmundry Urban SP S. Harikrishna told The Hindu that four teams with four SIs have been despatched to Ravulapalem, Bommuru, Kovvuru and Rajanagaram to apprehend the man.

With IANS