Andhra Pradesh: Jagan alleges police misconduct in Sankhavarappadu accident, seeks independent probe
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday alleged that the recent accident involving two police officers in Prakasam district reflects serious lapses in the state's law and order machinery. He demanded an impartial investigation into the incident at Sankhavarappadu in Addanki mandal.
In a post on social media platform X, Mr. Jagan claimed that a vehicle carrying two sub-inspectors collided with an auto-rickshaw, injuring its occupants seriously. He further alleged that the vehicle was being driven by a person under the influence of alcohol, and that both sub-inspectors were also in an intoxicated condition. According to him, ganja, liquor bottles, and a police uniform were found in the vehicle's boot after the accident.
The former Chief Minister also said that when people at the scene began recording videos, a Circle Inspector who arrived allegedly threatened them with false cases if they continued filming. “Is exposing the truth a crime? Is questioning wrongdoing an offence?” he asked, raising questions about the functioning of the police system.
Mr. Jagan further alleged that the two officers had organised private parties where liquor and ganja were consumed, and claimed that several leaders of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) participated. He also stated that local TDP leaders helped the police personnel leave the scene after the accident.
Calling the incident serious, Mr. Jagan said it should not be dismissed as an isolated occurrence. He accused the government of using institutions over the past two years for “political vendetta” and to silence opponents. He specifically criticised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that the police machinery has been misused for political interests instead of strengthening law and order.
The YSRCP president urged the Chief Minister to order an impartial investigation and take action against those responsible, regardless of their political or official position. He also appealed to the government not to harass people who recorded videos of the incident and not to use its influence to suppress facts.
Mr. Jagan urged the government not to divert attention from the incident or attempt to cover it up through its media network, and called for action based on the findings of an independent investigation.
These are allegations made by the opposition leader. There has been no official response from the Andhra Pradesh government or the police so far regarding the claims.
