Ex-Minister’s son surrenders in fatal Palasa road accident

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

A major development has emerged in the fatal road accident case that sparked political controversy in Andhra Pradesh, with Arav, son of former YSRCP minister Seediri Appalaraju, surrendering before the police on Monday. Accompanied by his lawyers, Arav appeared at Kasibugga Police Station, where he was taken into custody for questioning.

The case relates to a road accident that occurred on the night of July 10 on the old National Highway near the Palasa Industrial Area in Srikakulam district. According to the police, a Royal Enfield motorcycle, allegedly ridden at high speed by Arav, hit Danayya, a shepherd who was walking along the roadside. The victim died on the spot. Allegations later surfaced that Arav was immediately taken away from the accident site in a car.

The investigation took a dramatic turn after Siddharth, a friend of Arav, initially surrendered before police claiming responsibility for the accident. He was subsequently granted station bail, triggering widespread criticism and raising allegations of an attempt to shield the real accused.

Following public outrage, police intensified their investigation and collected CCTV footage from a nearby petrol station. The footage reportedly showed Arav alone refuelling the Royal Enfield motorcycle shortly before the accident, leading investigators to conclude that he was the actual rider at the time of the incident. With mounting public pressure and the emergence of crucial evidence, Arav surrendered before the police. Authorities have now taken him into custody and are continuing the investigation.

Senior police officials are also examining whether there was an attempt to mislead the investigation by presenting another individual as the accused. Further legal action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing probe.