YSRCP MP YS Avinash Reddy, who has failed to appear before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning in the murder case of former Andhra Pradesh minister YS Vivekananda Reddy, remains at a hospital in Kurnool where his mother is receiving treatment for a heart-related ailment.
Throughout the night, supporters of Avinash Reddy gathered outside Viswa Bharathi Hospital amidst speculations of his imminent arrest.
On Monday, discussions took place between CBI officials and senior authorities in the Kunrool district, aiming to facilitate the surrender of the YSRCP MP. A large number of Avinash Reddy's supporters, along with workers from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), assembled near the hospital.
According to an IANS report, the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has alleged that the state police are not cooperating with the CBI in arresting Avinash Reddy, who is named as a co-accused in the case. The central agency is expected to await the outcome of Avinash Reddy's anticipatory bail petition, scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
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In a letter addressed to the CBI, Avinash Reddy has sought an exemption from appearing until May 27 due to his mother's condition. He explained that his father, Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, is currently in judicial custody, and being the sole son, he is responsible for taking care of his mother during this critical period.
Earlier, Avinash Reddy missed his scheduled appearances before the CBI on May 16, citing prior commitments in his parliamentary constituency. However, the CBI promptly issued a fresh notice, directing him to appear at their regional office in Hyderabad on Friday at 11 a.m.
On May 19, Avinash Reddy informed the CBI about his inability to attend the session due to his mother falling ill. He subsequently travelled to his hometown of Pulivendula in Kadapa from Hyderabad on Friday morning and has since been staying at the hospital with his mother for the fifth consecutive day.
Vivekananda Reddy, the brother of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and uncle of Jagan Mohan Reddy, was found murdered at his residence in Pulivendula, Kadapa district on the night of March 15, 2019, just days before the elections.
In a related development, YS Bhaskar Reddy, Avinash Reddy's father and a cousin of Rajasekhara Reddy, was arrested by the CBI last month.
Avinash Reddy has refuted the allegations against him and his father, accusing the CBI of overlooking crucial facts in the case.