The Andhra Pradesh High Court granted interim relief to former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in connection with the death of a party supporter who was run over by a vehicle in his convoy during a political rally in Guntur. In its remarks, the court noted that “accidents happen even during the Kumbh Mela,” underscoring that mishaps can occur despite all safety measures.
The court’s observation came as it heard Reddy’s quash petition seeking the dismissal of charges filed against him in the case related to the June 18 accident that claimed the life of 53-year-old C Singayya in Satanapalle, Palanadu district.
Convoy Death Sparks FIR, Political Tensions Follow
The tragic incident unfolded during a rally led by Reddy when a vehicle in his convoy ran over the party supporter, killing him on the spot. The vehicle was later identified as belonging to Jagan Reddy, prompting police to seize the car and file an FIR against the YSRCP chief and other members of the party.
The FIR included serious charges such as culpable homicide and causing death by negligence, leading to a political standoff between the YSRCP and the ruling TDP. While Jagan Reddy labelled the FIR a “distraction tactic” by the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, he also questioned the alleged lapses in Z+ security protocol provided to him.
In response, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claimed that Singayya was crushed by a vehicle in the convoy, contradicting the YSRCP’s version that the victim was merely near the convoy at the time of the accident.
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Jagan Reddy Alleges Political Targeting
In his petition to the High Court, Jagan Reddy argued that his name was “deliberately included” in the FIR to politically frame him. According to sources, Reddy submitted a statement from the deceased’s family and claimed that financial compensation had already been extended by YSRCP leaders. The petition sought to clear his name from what he views as a politically motivated case.
The court’s interim relief now shields the former Chief Minister from immediate legal action, while further hearings in the case are awaited.
