The recent developments in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case have taken a significant turn as YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Member of Parliament (MP) Y.S. Avinash Reddy was “arrested” by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 8. Avinash Reddy is the cousin of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and is under scrutiny in connection with the murder of his uncle and former Minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. However, due to the anticipatory bail granted by the Telangana High Court, Avinash Reddy was released immediately after the arrest.
Arrest and Release of Avinash Reddy
Following his appearance before the CBI on June 3, Avinash Reddy was “arrested” and subsequently released on bail the same day after completing necessary formalities. The MP from Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh had earlier been granted anticipatory bail by the Telangana High Court on May 31. As per the court’s directives, Avinash Reddy is required to cooperate with the investigation and present himself before the CBI every Saturday until the end of June 2023.
Conditions and Orders of the High Court
In its bail order, the Telangana High Court stated that Avinash Reddy would be released on bail if he fulfilled certain conditions. These included the execution of a personal bond of ₹5 lakh (Indian Rupees) and providing two sureties for a like sum each, to the satisfaction of the CBI. The court also prohibited him from leaving the country without prior permission from the CBI until the investigation is completed. Additionally, Avinash Reddy was instructed not to tamper with prosecution witnesses or alter any evidence related to the case.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
According to the Hindu, Avinash Reddy, who is the son of Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, has been extensively questioned by the CBI multiple times this year. His father was arrested by the CBI on April 16 in connection with the Vivekananda Reddy murder case. Avinash Reddy subsequently approached the Telangana High Court seeking anticipatory bail. The court’s order, granting him bail, came after the CBI opposed his father’s bail application and reportedly named Avinash as one of the accused in the case.
Background of the Vivekananda Reddy Murder Case
Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, a prominent political figure and brother of the late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, was found murdered at his residence in Pulivendula, Kadapa district on March 15, 2019, just weeks before the State Assembly elections. Initially, a special investigation team (SIT) of the State Crime Investigation Department handled the case. However, in July 2020, the investigation was transferred to the CBI. The CBI subsequently filed a charge sheet in the murder case on October 26, 2021, and followed it up with a supplementary charge sheet on January 31, 2022.
