A family dispute that has now become public has landed senior YSR Congress Party leader and former Andhra Pradesh minister Jogi Ramesh in an embarrassing situation, with the issue becoming a talking point on social media and in political circles across the state.
A video purportedly showing his son Rajeev expressing anger at his father has gone viral on social media over the past two days.
The video appears to have been recorded during a discussion between the two families over the marital dispute between Rajeev and his wife Meghana.
In the video, Rajeev is heard questioning his father over his marriage to Meghana.
“I told you then that I did not want to marry her. You were the one who arranged everything. You called several people, brainwashed me and took me to their house. You got me married,” Rajeev is heard telling his father.
Jogi Ramesh is seen trying to pacify his son, but Rajeev continues to express his anger and dissatisfaction.
Rajeev married Meghana, who is from Suryapet, last year. Differences reportedly emerged between the two families after the marriage. Family elders from both sides are said to have held several meetings in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
Meghana is understood to have recently submitted videos and audio recordings of some of these discussions to the police.
The recordings have brought to light conversations between members of the two families and allegations related to the marital dispute.
Meghana reportedly lodged a complaint at the Ibrahimpatnam police station against 11 members of Jogi Ramesh’s family. Based on her complaint, police registered a case under sections relating to attempt to murder and dowry harassment.
However, the allegations made in the complaint are yet to be established through investigation. Police are examining the complaint, audio and video recordings, and other available evidence.
Another audio recording purportedly involving Jogi Ramesh’s wife Shakuntala and Meghana has also surfaced on social media.
According to reports, the conversation includes references to dowry, gold, a car and money allegedly sought for starting a business.
Shakuntala is purportedly heard questioning why gold had not been purchased for her son and asking that a car be bought and Rs 2 crore be provided to start a business.
Meghana is heard responding that a chain and bracelet had already been given at the time of the engagement and that the remaining issues had been discussed, according to reports.
The authenticity of the audio, the full context of the conversation and the circumstances in which the remarks were made are yet to be established. Police are expected to examine these aspects as part of the investigation.
The two families are understood to have held several meetings to settle the differences between Rajeev and Meghana. The latest viral video is reportedly from one such meeting.
Rajeev’s statement that he had opposed the marriage from the beginning has raised questions over whether he had reservations about the marriage and whether he eventually agreed under pressure from family members.
At present, both sides have levelled allegations and counter-allegations. While police have registered a case based on Meghana’s complaint, the audio and video recordings circulating on social media could also become part of the investigation.
