Jagan Reddy Reacts After Close Aide's Son Arrested In Hit-And-Run Case
Remark sparks debate after hit-and-run arrest.
A political controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh following remarks by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy over a fatal hit-and-run case involving the son of former state minister Seediri Appalaraju. The case relates to the death of shepherd D. Danayya in Srikakulam district, with Appalaraju's 18-year-old son, Aarav Varma, having been arrested in connection with the incident. The matter has since become the focus of both a police investigation and a political confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties.
Responding to the incident, Jagan Mohan Reddy described the death as unfortunate and stated that "accidents do happen," while noting that the accused was an 18-year-old riding a motorcycle. He also alleged that the case was being unnecessarily magnified and claimed that the state government was attempting to implicate the youth by invoking serious criminal charges. His remarks drew criticism from political opponents, who argued that the comments overlooked the loss suffered by the victim's family.
According to police, the incident occurred on July 10, and the investigation later relied on CCTV footage that allegedly showed Aarav Varma riding the motorcycle involved in the collision. The development reportedly contradicted an earlier claim by another individual who had accepted responsibility for the accident. Aarav subsequently surrendered before the police in the presence of his lawyer and was remanded to judicial custody along with other accused persons as the investigation continued.
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Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh strongly criticised Jagan Mohan Reddy's remarks, accusing the YSRCP leader of attempting to shield individuals associated with his party. Referring to the opposition as a "Hit-and-Run Party," Lokesh said political influence should never interfere with legal proceedings in cases involving the loss of human life. He also questioned why the actual rider was not produced before investigators immediately after the incident and asserted that the victim's family deserved justice and accountability.
The political exchange intensified further as Lokesh also referred to an earlier case involving the death of YSRCP worker Singayya, alleging that Jagan Mohan Reddy had sought legal protection during the investigation into that matter. Meanwhile, police have indicated that the investigation into the Srikakulam hit-and-run case remains ongoing and that additional names, including that of former minister Seediri Appalaraju, could be added to the First Information Report (FIR) if evidence supports further legal action. Authorities have not announced any final conclusions, and the probe continues.
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