Investigation Launched into Alleged Threat Against Vivekananda Reddy Case Approver Dastagiri

Quick summary

• The State government has initiated a probe into allegations made by Sheikh Dastagiri, who is an accused-turned-approver in the 2019 murder case of former MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy.
• Dastagiri alleged that Devireddy Chaitanya Reddy, son of co-accused Devireddy sivasankar Reddy, entered Kadapa Central Prison under the guise of conducting a medical camp in 2023.
• He claimed Chaitanya Reddy offered him ₹20 crore to shield the accused and threatened to kill him if he refused.
• A case was subsequently registered by the RIMS police, followed by an investigation under a four-member team assembled by the NDA management after a change in government.
• Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil is leading the inquiry and has summoned former jail Superintendent Prakash and other officials for questioning. Sheikh Dastagiri is also set to be questioned as part of this investigation.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The State government’s decision to reopen investigations into sensitive allegations underscores its commitment to uphold justice in high-profile cases such as Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy’s murder from 2019-an event that continues to have political ramifications in Andhra Pradesh’s landscape. Allegations involving monetary bribery and threats within prison settings indicate potential vulnerabilities within institutional structures like correctional facilities,raising questions about administrative oversight during prior leadership regimes.By reconstituting investigative teams post-government transition, accountability mechanisms appear geared toward promoting impartiality-a critical step for restoring public trust amid politically charged cases like this one. Though, thorough examination of all involved parties will be essential not onyl for ensuring fairness but also for addressing systemic lapses that may have facilitated incidents described by Sheikh Dastagiri.

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