In a significant development, a person who was facing examination as part of the investigation into the murder case of YS Vivekananda Reddy — uncle of Andhra CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, killed himself late on Monday night.
Following summons from the officials, the deceased K Srinivasa Reddy (52), had earlier presented himself before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that is overseeing the investigation into the case.
Vivekananda Reddy, a former MP, was murdered on March 15. The incident had triggered a huge uproar in the state which was witnessing intense political battles as part of the elections.
Srinivasa Reddy is a close relative of one of the prime accused, Parameshwara Reddy, in the murder case. Parameswara Reddy is a close friend of the slain politician, and four of his associates were arrested after he allegedly absconded soon after the murder.
According to reports in local media, Srinivasa Reddy was called for a probe in the same case earlier. The family of the deceased allege that Srinivasa Reddy was being harassed and threatened by investigation officials.
A letter that was purportedly written by the deceased Srinivasa Reddy said that he was being harassed in the name of investigation by the police and claimed that he had no role in the crime. In the letter, he also alleged that the police had threatened to foist cases on him while stating that he took the extreme decision instead of bearing punishment and humiliation for what he had not done.
However, Abhishek Mohanty, Kadapa SP, said that the deceased Srinivasa Reddy was neither an accused nor a suspect in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case.
Speaking to TNM, he said, "As part of the investigation, a lot of things have to be done with regard to examination of the people. A lot of people have been questioned and he was also one of them."
He added, "A case of suspicious death has been registered based on the complaint of the deceased’s wife. Facts of the case will be verified and investigation will be carried out accordingly."