Political slugfest erupts after FIR against Jagan

By Admin

24 Jun, 2025

A tragic road accident involving former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has sparked a massive political storm in the state, following the death of a 70-year-old man, Cheeli Singaiah, during Jagan’s visit to Palnadu district on June 18.

Jagan was on his way to Rentapala village to console the family of a party leader who had died by suicide the previous year. However, during this journey, his car allegedly ran over Singaiah at Etukuru bypass under the jurisdiction of Nallapadu police station. Disturbing visuals reportedly showed the moment of the accident and triggered public outrage. According to the state home minister, party workers allegedly dragged Singaiah’s body away from the road and threw it into nearby bushes in what she termed an “inhuman manner.”

Following the incident, Guntur police registered a case against Jagan, his driver Ramana Reddy, personal assistant K Nageshwar Reddy, and two other YSRCP leaders. Initially booked under Section 106(1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (causing death by negligence), the case was later altered to Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 49 (abetment of crime) after thorough review of CCTV footage, drone visuals, and witness testimonies.

Ramana Reddy was taken into custody for questioning, and police also interrogated Jagan’s security personnel, including his chief security officer, to understand the events of that day.

State home minister Vangalapudi Anitha blamed Jagan for violating convoy and crowd restrictions. She claimed that while the former CM had clearance for just four vehicles and a 100-person gathering, the event turned into a massive roadshow with over 100 cars and thousands of attendees. She accused YSRCP workers of showing insensitivity by dragging the victim’s body into the bushes instead of helping him immediately. She also emphasized that video evidence indicated bystanders were pleading for the convoy to stop, but the vehicle continued to move forward.

Jagan, however, has hit back, claiming that the FIR and the political outcry are part of a vindictive campaign led by the current chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu. In a strongly worded statement on X, he accused the state of imposing restrictions on his right to meet his party workers and farmers. “This political vendetta now threatens not just democracy but basic decency,” he wrote.

He also pointed out discrepancies in security protocol, stating that despite being entitled to Z+ security as a former CM, no pilot vehicle or rope party was provided during the tour. Jagan asserted that he followed all due procedures and used a government-provided driver, which he argued makes the state responsible for convoy safety.

Further, he alleged that the initial statements by police did not indicate any negligence on his part, and questioned the sudden shift in narrative. “Why was the initial statement changed? Why politicize a tragedy?” he asked.

Jagan also announced ₹10 lakh compensation for Singaiah’s family and claimed he had immediately directed his party leaders to support the bereaved household.

As the war of words intensifies between YSRCP and the ruling coalition, the tragic death of Singaiah has become the epicenter of a larger political confrontation raising questions not only about convoy mismanagement but also the deepening mistrust between the ruling and opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh.