YS Jagan named as A2 in Palnadu road accident

In a significant development, Andhra Pradesh Police have registered a case against former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in connection with a fatal road accident that occurred during his visit to Rentapalla village in Palnadu district on June 18.

 The incident, which resulted in the death of a 65-year-old YSRCP supporter, Cheeli Singaiah, has sparked widespread controversy and public outrage.

Video and CCTV footage

According to Guntur District Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar, the accident took place on the National Highway at Etukuru bypass when Reddy’s convoy was en route to console the family of a deceased YSRCP functionary, Korlakunta Nagamalleswara Rao. CCTV footage, drone visuals, and bystander videos analyzed by the police reportedly show Singaiah being run over by a Fortuner vehicle carrying the former CM. The victim sustained severe injuries and was declared dead upon arrival at a hospital.

In addition to YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, five others have been named as accused in the First Information Report (FIR): his driver Ramana Reddy, personal assistant K. Nageshwar Reddy, senior YSRCP leader Y.V. Subba Reddy, former MLA Perni Venkataramaiah (Perni Nani), and former minister Vidadala Rajini. The charges, initially filed under negligence, have been escalated to include culpable homicide under Sections 105 and 49 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on the evidence.

Political storm

The incident has triggered a political storm, with Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president YS Sharmila Reddy, Jagan’s sister, condemning the incident, describing the visuals as “spine-chilling” and questioning how the convoy continued without noticing the accident. The YSRCP, however, has dismissed the allegations, labeling the viral video as “fabricated” and accusing the ruling NDA coalition of orchestrating a “malicious political conspiracy” to tarnish Reddy’s image. YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu claimed the issue was being “blown out of proportion” for political gain.

Public outrage intensified after a video surfaced online, contradicting earlier police claims that Reddy was not in the vehicle involved. Guntur SP Satish Kumar clarified during a press conference on Sunday that the investigation had been intensified, and legal action would be pursued against all those involved, including for violating conditions imposed for Reddy’s visit.

The YSRCP has alleged that the ruling coalition deliberately compromised Reddy’s security during the tour and is exploiting the tragedy to divert attention from the massive public support for his district visits. Meanwhile, the police have taken the driver, Ramana Reddy, into custody for questioning, and further investigations are underway to determine the full scope of responsibility.