Amid the ongoing Andhra Pradesh Assembly session, the state cabinet convened a crucial meeting to discuss the suspicious death of Rangayya, a key witness in the Vivekananda Reddy (Viveka) murder case. The cabinet deliberated for nearly an hour on the pattern of accused and witnesses in the case dying under mysterious circumstances.
Director General of Police (DGP) briefed the ministers on the concerns surrounding Rangayya’s death. The cabinet expressed doubts over the incident, stating that despite the case being under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the state had a responsibility to protect witnesses.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan termed the recurring deaths of witnesses as unfortunate and emphasized the need for their safety. The DGP confirmed that the police investigation classified Rangayya’s death as suspicious. The cabinet also discussed the demise of the driver who had transported Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Bharathi from Hyderabad to Pulivendula on the night of Viveka’s murder. It was noted that seven individuals linked to the case had died so far. The threats against another key witness, Dastagiri, were also reviewed, with discussions on the next course of action. The cabinet directed the DGP to conduct a full-fledged inquiry into the matter.
Rangayya’s Death Raises Concerns
Watchman Rangayya, a key witness in the Viveka murder case, passed away on Wednesday. He had been suffering from respiratory and lung-related ailments and had sustained a leg injury after a fall two weeks ago. His condition worsened, and he remained bedridden at his home in Pulivendula. On Wednesday afternoon, when he experienced severe breathing difficulties, his family, along with a police constable assigned for his protection, rushed him to Kadapa RIMS Hospital, where he was declared dead in the evening.
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Following his death, Rangayya’s wife, Susheelamma, lodged a complaint with the Pulivendula police, raising suspicions about foul play. She alleged that both the police and the CBI had harassed her husband, leading to his deteriorating health. She claimed that the real culprits remained free while her husband was subjected to undue pressure.
She further stated that police had been stationed outside their home for the past six years and that despite his prolonged illness, authorities failed to provide timely medical assistance. She alleged that her husband had been bedridden for three months and was unjustly targeted instead of the actual perpetrators.
Ongoing Investigation and Previous Deaths
Former Andhra Pradesh Minister Y. S. Vivekananda Reddy was murdered on March 15, 2019. Despite multiple investigations, including three Special Investigation Teams (SITs) and a CBI probe, the masterminds behind the crime have not been identified.
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During the SIT investigation, key suspect Srinivasulu Reddy died under mysterious circumstances. On June 9, 2022, another close associate, Kuwait Gangadhar Reddy, was found dead under suspicious conditions in Yadiki, Anantapur district. Additionally, key witness Dr. Y. S. Abhishek Reddy passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Hyderabad.
Now, the direct eyewitness in the case, watchman Rangayya, has also died while receiving treatment, further intensifying concerns over the safety of witnesses in the high-profile case.