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Viveka murder case: CBI registers 164 confessions

The fact that CBI officials repeatedly interrogated only six suspects in the past is raising many questions

KADAPA: CBI officials registered 164 confession statements in the murder case of former minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy before the Jammalamadugu Magistrate, including that of the victim’s watchman Rangayya, who is an important suspect in the case.

Under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code, the witness can deviate from his statement given to the police during the course of investigation. But, under CrPC Section 164, confession statements given willingly by the witness before a magistrate, recorded in-camera, cannot be withdrawn or changed. If done so, such witnesses can be tried for perjury. Under this Section, it is a confidential statement and will be kept in the custody of the court and it cannot be revealed to others.

Former minister Vivekananda Reddy was murdered in his house on March 15, 2019. The case was transferred to the CBI following an appeal by his wife and daughter to the High Court. CBI officials have been investigating the case for three consecutive terms since then. The trial of the case was delayed for a few days due to the corona pandemic. However, for the last 47 days, CBI officials have been conducting inquiries at the guest house at Kadapa Central Jail.

The CBI has questioned several suspects in the case. The details of the vehicles plying in the area on the day of murder were collected through CCTV footage and the road transport authorities were also approached for the details of the respective vehicles. CBI officials have thoroughly investigated every suspect.

However, the fact that CBI officials repeatedly interrogated only six suspects in the past is raising many questions. Vivekananda Reddy's follower Erra Gangireddy, his PA Krishna Reddy, driver Dastgiri, Krishnayya family of Pulivendula, watchmen Rangayya, Inayatullah and Umamaheswarareddy are being repeatedly questioned by CBI officials. However, the CBI has obtained vital information on the murder case than in the past. CBI officials are going to Pulivendula as and when needed.

Recently, the CBI officials spoke to Vivekananda Reddy's wife Soubhagyamma and his daughter Dr Sunitha. The house where Vivekananda Reddy was killed and the surroundings of that house were also thoroughly examined.

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