Guntur: Jagan booked in supporter’s death case, listed as accused number 2

Guntur: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has been named as an accused in the death case of Cheeli Singaiah.

Cheeli Singaiah, 65, reportedly slipped and fell while attempting to shower flowers on Jagan. A resident of Vengalayapalem village, he was crushed under the front right wheel of the vehicle. He was rushed to a local hospital by police and YSRCP supporters. Later, he was shifted to the Guntur Government Hospital but succumbed en route.

Addressing the media, Guntur SP Satish Kumar revealed that CCTV and drone footage confirm that Singaiah was run over by Jagan’s vehicle during his tour of Palnadu on June 18. Jagan has been listed as accused No. 2 (A2), while his driver has been named as accused No. 1 (A1).

Following the evidence, police modified the FIR to include Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 49 (abetment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and have intensified the investigation into the events leading to the incident.

The fatal accident occurred on June 18 while Jagan was returning from Rentapalla village in Palnadu district. He had visited the village to console the family of a former sarpanch who reportedly died by suicide, allegedly due to police harassment.

Initial reports claimed that Singaiah sustained injuries after climbing onto a vehicle in Jagan’s convoy and falling off. However, viral videos circulating on social media have now surfaced, clearly showing him being run over by the vehicle transporting Jagan.

Legal proceedings are set to be initiated against Jagan and others present in the vehicle, including driver Ramana Reddy, Personal Assistant K. Nageshwar Reddy, senior YSRCP leader YV Subbareddy, former MLA Perni Venkataramaiah, and former Minister Vidadala Rajini.