A police team shot at James, the prime accused in the murder of CPI(M) activist K. Penchalaiah, early Saturday morning in Nellore. Police surrounded James after a tip-off. He had been hiding for seven days after avoiding arrest. James tried to escape and attacked constable Adinarayana with a knife. Deputy Superintendent G. Srinivasa Rao said the constable was seriously injured. To stop James, Inspector Srinivasa Rao fired at his knee. James was caught and taken to hospital with the injured constable. James is said to be involved in a ganja peddling network. Penchalaiah, 37, who belonged to CPI(M) and the ‘Praja Natya Mandali,’ was murdered in front of his children. He used street plays to raise awareness against ganja peddling. CPI(M) leaders V. Srinivasa Rao and M. Ramesh met Penchalaiah's family and offered support. They demand the immediate arrest and punishment of the culprit. CPI(M) has called for a district-wide bandh on December 2 in protest.