Relief to Jagan Mohan Reddy in YSRCP supporter's death case, Andhra Court draws parallel with Kumbh Mela stampede

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday granted interim relief to former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy in connection with the death of a YSRCP supporter during the party chief’s rally in Guntur district. The court has restrained state police from taking any coercive action against Reddy until the next hearing on July 1. The court was hearing a petition moved by the YSRCP leader seeking to quash charges against him in the case. The court has granted interim relief to the former chief minister, pointing out that accidents can happen despite best efforts, drawing parallels with the tragic Kumbh Mela stampede. The development comes after Andhra Pradesh police seized Reddy's bulletproof car in the matter.

Jagan Mohan Reddy accused in the YSRCP supporter's death case 

A case was filed against Jagan Mohan Reddy for the death of Cheeli Singaiah in an incident that occurred on June 18. The 53-year-old Singayya was run over by a vehicle that was part of the Reddy's convoy during the rally at Satanapalle in Palanadu district. Reddy was travelling via the Etukuru bypass to visit Rentapalla village in Palnadu district to pay condolences to the family members of a party leader who had died by suicide due to alleged harassment by TDP leaders and police. 

During the rally, Singaiah was knocked down by a vehicle in the convoy and sustained serious bleeding injuries. He was taken to the Guntur Government Hospital for treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries. The tragic incident sparked concerns and criticism over the lack of security oversight. Initially, Reddy was accused in the case of causing death by negligence, based on the visual of the tragic incident. After video footage analysis, police registered a case under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) against Reddy, and five others– his driver Ramana Reddy, personal assistant K. Nageshwar Reddy, senior YSRCP leader Y.V. Subbareddy, former MLA Perni Venkataramaiah, and former minister Vidadala Rajini.

Jagan Mohan Reddy on Chandrababu Naidu's security

Earlier this week, Reddy raised concerns about security lapses, pointing the Chandrababu Naidu government's arrangements fell short of the Z+ security protocol. Meanwhile, Reddy served as the 17th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2019 to 2024, and is the current president of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).