Guntur: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy has been named the second accused in a criminal case tied to the death of a man during his convoy’s recent stop in Rentapalla. Guntur district police filed the case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita following a complaint by the victim’s wife, Lourthumary, at Nallapadu police station last week.
What began as a case of negligent death under Section 106(1) quickly escalated after video evidence came to light. CCTV and drone footage confirmed that the victim, Singaiah, was run over by an SUV belonging to Jagan’s convoy. Police have since upgraded the charges to include Sections 105 and 49—treating the incident as culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
The SUV’s driver, Ramana Reddy, has been listed as the first accused. Others named include Jagan’s personal secretary K. Nageswara Reddy, along with party leaders Y.V. Subba Reddy, Perni Nani, and Vidadala Rajini. Investigators say these names were added after reviewing surveillance footage and statements from eyewitnesses.
According to Guntur SP Satish Kumar, officials had approved 14 vehicles for Jagan’s June 18 convoy from Tadepalli to Rentapalla—but the actual number ballooned to 50. The fatal incident happened near the Anjaneya Swamy statue at Etukuru bypass, where Singaiah was struck and later died at the hospital.
Initially, officials believed a different vehicle was involved, but video analysis clearly showed Jagan’s SUV hitting the man. Footage reportedly captured a wheel running over Singaiah at the scene.
Section 105 carries a possible life sentence or a 5–10 year term and is a non-bailable offence. Section 49, which relates to abetment or incitement, was added over concerns the act may not have been entirely accidental.
The case remains under investigation, and police say more legal action could follow. Meanwhile, the episode has triggered fresh scrutiny over how political convoys are managed and raised questions that could echo in Andhra Pradesh’s political arena in the weeks ahead.
