Violence linked to a dispute between the Comando Vermelho (CV) and Terceiro Comando Puro (TCP) has unsettled residents of Volta Redonda in southern Rio de Janeiro state for more than a week. The main flashpoint is the Complexo da Vila Brasília, where three people have been killed and two injured in recent days.
Investigators say around 40 CV members travelled from the Complexo da Penha in Rio de Janeiro to take part in the territorial dispute. The violence has reached 14 neighbourhoods, with a bus and a car set on fire. Some local businesses have closed early, and residents have reported gunfire in homes and surrounding areas.
The PM’s internal affairs unit is investigating six military police officers over suspicions that they helped the group enter the city. The unit says images show two police vehicles escorting the convoy. The officers have been transferred to other units and assigned administrative duties. The commander of the Volta Redonda battalion was also removed from her post.
Police have sent special units, including the Special Police Operations Battalion (Bope) and the Canine Operations Battalion, to reinforce patrols. The PM said the reinforcement would continue indefinitely. At least three suspects have been arrested during police operations, which also led to the seizure of drugs and weapons, including a rifle.
According to the investigation, the CV’s interest in the region is linked to its location along important highways that could facilitate the transport of weapons and drugs.
Sources: G1.