Vinutha Alleges Political Conspiracy Behind Murder Case, Blames TD MLA
Murder of Ex-JS leader's driver deepens rift in TD-Jana Sena alliance in Srikalahasti: Reports
TIRUPATI: The murder of Ch. Srinivasulu, a long-time aide and driver of suspended Jana Sena leaders Kota Vinutha and her husband K. Chandrababu, reveals the widening cracks within the Telugu Desam (TD) and Jana Sena (JS) alliance in the Srikalahasti town.
Srinivasulu, also known as Rayudu, had reportedly been killed in Srikalahasti before his body had been dumped in a river near Chennai. Chennai police arrested Vinutha, Chandrababu and three of their supporters in connection with the case. Police produced all the five before a court, which remanded them to judicial custody at Puzhal Central Jail.
Speaking to reporters while being taken into custody, Vinutha claimed, “There is a deliberate attempt to trap us in a case we have nothing to do with. This is politically motivated.” She charged that local TD MLA Bojjala Sudheer Reddy is behind the conspiracy. “The truth about who is behind the murder will come out soon,” Vinutha declared.
Srinivasulu, a native of Tholumettu village near Venkatagiri, had been orphaned at a young age. His grandmother raised him in Bokkasampalem village of Srikalahasti mandal. A committed Jana Sena supporter, Srinivasulu had been actively involved in party activities. He closely associated himself with the Kota couple, not just as a driver but a trusted associate.
Sources suggest that the relationship between Srinivasulu and the couple had deteriorated in recent months. The couple started suspecting him of leaking their information to political opponents. Vinutha and Chandrababu distanced themselves from him and eventually severed their ties with Srinivasulu.
The arrest of Kota couple has further strained relations within the local NDA alliance. Observers say ever since the coalition government assumed power in Andhra Pradesh, Vinutha and Chandrababu have remained at odds with the Srikalahasti TD leadership, particularly the TD MLA. Their rivalry appeared to have intensified in recent weeks.
Responding to these allegations, Sudheer Reddy denied any involvement, saying the case must not be politicised. “This is a criminal matter and has nothing to do with politics. It is unfortunate. I offer my deepest condolences to Srinivasulu’s family,” he stated.
Jana Sena has kept itself away from the controversy while suspending the Kota couple from the party. Tirupati MLA Arani Srinivasulu and other senior JS leaders have refrained from making public comments. Party sources underline that Vinutha and Chandrababu have been expelled from the party. The case has no bearing on the party’s current affairs, they maintained.
