The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of YS Vivekananda Reddy, uncle of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, has taken custody of Parameswara Reddy and four others.
Parameswara Reddy is reportedly a close friend of the slain leader. He reportedly went absconding after the murder. Parameswara was picked up from Tirupati, and shortly after was admitted in a private hospital. While he claimed innocence, his wife alleged that Jagan's family hatched a conspiracy to frame him.
Four others associated with Parameswara were also taken into custody. Parameswara is a native of Kasanur village in Simhadripuram mandal of the same constituency.
According to The Hindu, the SIT headed by Additional DG (CID) Amit Garg, has recorded the statement of nearly two dozen witnesses in the case.
Among those taken into custody for investigation include Sekhar Reddy, who is allegedly an infamous contract killer. Sekhar Reddy has several cases against him at various police stations. Another person, Sunil Reddy was also taken into custody by the police.
Vivekananda Reddy, a former MP was murdered on March 15. While initially it was believed that the politician suffered cardiac arrest and succumbed, police confirmed after investigation that the two-time MP was murdered. Vivekananda had injury marks on his head, hands and back.
Vivekananda Reddy was elected as Kadapa Lok Sabha MP in 1999 and 2004, representing the Congress. He was also twice elected to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly (1989, 1994) from Pulivendula. He is the brother of former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy.
His death turned political, with both the ruling TDP and YSRCP accusing each other of being behind the killing.
Alleging that the TDP would interfere in the investigation, the YSRCP has sought a CBI probe in the murder. A petition in this regard was filed in the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday by advocate Kasa Jagan Mohan Reddy.