SIT Intensifies Probe Into Post-Poll Tirupati Violence

Tirupati: Following allegations of a conspiracy by Telugu Desam Party, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing violent incidents in Chandragiri and Tirupati assembly constituencies after the elections has fast-tracked its investigations.

Sources said SIT is gathering information on primary instigators of violence, including those who attacked TD's Chandragiri candidate Pulivarthi Venkata Mani Prasad (Nani) at Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) in Tirupati.

"We need to examine more visuals and call logs before we can name the masterminds behind the crime in the FIR,” an SIT official said.

Crucial digital evidence, including CCTV footage from the university and all seven videos furnished by the complainant, has been seized in the Pulivarthi Nani attack case.

SIT may invoke Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act due to gunshots being fired during the violence at SPMVV. Eyewitness accounts are to be recorded under the Section 164 of CrPC. Investigation into the gunfire will be led by a DSP rank officer.

CCTV footage and call data records are being examined with regard to the violence in Kuchuvaripalle. Additional suspects may be identified and named based on evidence. In the Ramireddipalli incident, wherein a case has been registered under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the probe has been assigned to a DSP, who will re-examine statements of witnesses.

Investigators have been instructed to file charge sheets within a month in all the cases.

TD ranks believe that with mounting evidence, investigation will be centred on involvement of YSRC leader and former Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and his son Mohith Reddy.

"The noose is tightening around Chevireddy and his son. Their involvement in orchestrating these attacks is becoming increasingly evident," a senior TD leader remarked.