As expected, former Andhra Pradesh minister and YSR Congress Party leader Sidiri Appala Raju was arrested by the police on Wednesday over allegations that he attempted to shield his son from prosecution in connection with a recent fatal road accident in Srikakulam district.
Police took Appala Raju into custody from his residence in Kasibugga in the evening amid heightened political activity and tight security.
Anticipating his arrest, several YSRCP leaders and party workers had gathered at his residence since morning.
Family members and supporters attempted to prevent the police from taking him into custody.
However, a large contingent of police personnel deployed at the scene thwarted their efforts and carried out the arrest.
It may be recalled that Appala Raju’s son, Aarav Varma, allegedly hit shepherd Danayya with his motorcycle, resulting in the latter’s death.
According to the police investigation, Appala Raju allegedly tried to protect his son from criminal liability by arranging for another individual, identified as Siddhartha Tyadi, to take responsibility for the accident and go to jail in Aarav’s place.
Police also alleged that attempts were made to influence the victim’s family and tamper with evidence, including replacing the motorcycle involved in the accident, in order to conceal the crime.
Based on CCTV footage and other evidence collected during the investigation, police registered a case against the former minister for allegedly obstructing the probe and shielding the accused.
Aarav Varma had earlier surrendered before the police and was subsequently arrested. He is currently in judicial remand in connection with the fatal accident case.
Meanwhile, Appala Raju had approached the Sixth Additional District and Sessions Court in Sompeta seeking anticipatory bail. However, the court postponed the hearing on his petition until Thursday.
The case has also led to disciplinary action against police officials accused of mishandling the investigation.
The state government suspended Kasibugga Circle Inspector Ramakrishna and Sub-Inspector Sunil over allegations that they failed to properly investigate the accident.
The officials were accused of not visiting the accident scene immediately, delegating key responsibilities to subordinate staff and allegedly allowing attempts to substitute the accused during the investigation.
The suspensions followed allegations that lapses by the local police facilitated efforts to interfere with the probe, prompting higher authorities to initiate departmental action.
