Fri Mar 07 23:06:00 UTC 2025: **Andhra Pradesh CM Condemns “Criminalization of Politics” Following Witness Death in Viveka Murder Case**
VIJAYAWADA, March 8, 2025 – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed serious concerns over the death of Ranganna, a key witness in the murder case of former MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. Speaking at a State Cabinet meeting on Friday, Naidu linked the suspicious death to a pattern of witness deaths in the case and accused YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of orchestrating a campaign of misinformation and obstructing justice.
Naidu alleges that Jagan Mohan Reddy, while in opposition, demanded a CBI investigation into Viveka’s murder but opposed it upon taking power, highlighting what he calls a “flip-flop” in stance. He further accused Reddy of using his own media outlets to spread false narratives about the case and deceive the public. Naidu described the situation as “criminals entering politics,” turning it into a “criminal enterprise,” and urged his ministers to actively counter Jagan Mohan Reddy’s claims.
The death of Ranganna, a 70-year-old watchman, is the latest in a series of suspicious deaths of witnesses in the Viveka murder case. Other witnesses, including Katikireddy Srinivas Reddy, Kalluri Gangadhar Reddy, driver Narayana, and Dr. Y.S. Abhishek Reddy, have also died under suspicious circumstances. Kadpa SP Ashok Kumar confirmed that a case has been registered following a complaint from Ranganna’s wife and that the circumstances surrounding his death are considered suspicious. The Chief Minister has called for a firm response to organized crime within the state’s political landscape.
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