CBI revives probe into YS Viveka murder case after SC directive

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The investigation into the sensational murder of former minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, a case that has continued to cast a long shadow over Andhra Pradesh politics, has regained momentum after nearly two years of relative inactivity. Acting on recent directions from the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has resumed its probe, focusing on fresh examination of witnesses and crucial call data linked to the day of the murder.

CBI officials conducted questioning sessions in Pulivendula on Friday, signalling renewed urgency in a case that has remained politically and legally contentious since the killing occurred in March 2019.

Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, a former minister and uncle of Andhra Pradesh former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was found brutally murdered at his residence in Pulivendula on March 15, 2019, just weeks before the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The incident triggered widespread political controversy, with allegations and counter-allegations exchanged between rival parties over the handling of the investigation.

The CBI formally took over the probe in 2020 following court directions. However, progress in the investigation slowed over time, leading to concerns among petitioners and observers about delays in completing the inquiry.

Recently, the Supreme Court removed the earlier one-month deadline imposed on the agency but directed investigators to expedite the probe and bring the investigation to a logical conclusion without further delay. Following these directions, a CBI team led by investigating officer Rohit Yadav arrived in Pulivendula to resume field-level inquiry.

As part of the renewed investigation, the CBI questioned Kiran Kumar Yadav and Mahendra Yadav, brothers of accused Sunil Yadav, at the Pulivendula police station for nearly two hours. Sources said investigators concentrated on communication records from the early hours of the murder day. Particular attention was reportedly given to a WhatsApp call allegedly made by Kiran Kumar Yadav to Arjun Reddy at around 1:42 a.m. on the day Vivekananda Reddy was killed.

Speaking briefly to the media after the inquiry, Kiran Kumar Yadav said he had fully cooperated with investigators. “I answered all the questions posed by the CBI and extended complete cooperation. I have also informed them about threats to my life,” he said, declining to comment on his association with Arjun Reddy.

The revival of active investigation is being closely watched across Andhra Pradesh, where the case has remained a politically sensitive issue for years. With the Supreme Court pressing for faster progress, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial as the CBI intensifies questioning and reviews evidence in one of the state’s most high-profile criminal cases.