Amaravati: Viveka Murder Case: Key Cop Booted Out After 6 Years
In a major development in the 2019 murder of former minister YS Vivekananda Reddy, the Andhra Pradesh Police has dismissed Pulivendula Circle Inspector J Shankarayya from service. The action follows a detailed inquiry that found him guilty of serious lapses at the crime scene and later attempts to shield the truth.
Grave Lapses on the Fateful Morning
On March 15, 2019, Shankarayya reached Vivekananda Reddy’s house within hours of the murder. Despite clear signs of foul play, he failed to secure the scene or alert seniors properly.
For over seven hours, evidence was allegedly tampered with right in front of him, yet he did not intervene. Initial reports were shaped to suggest a cardiac arrest instead of homicide, delaying proper investigation.
Shifting Statements and Lost Credibility
During CBI questioning, Shankarayya gave two contradictory statements. First, he claimed he stayed silent to prevent possible communal riots in the sensitive Kadapa region.
Later, he named several individuals who knew about the murder but refused to repeat the same before the CBI court. Officials concluded he colluded with the accused and used influence to get an earlier suspension revoked.
Disciplinary Action Finally Executed
Kurnool Range DIG Koya Praveen, after reviewing a comprehensive report, ordered the dismissal. Kurnool SP Vikrant Patil issued formal orders on November 21, 2025, ending Shankarayya’s career.
The move comes months after Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu publicly accused the officer of helping destroy evidence during the previous YSRC regime.
Legal Notice vs Official Stand
Shankarayya recently sent a legal notice to CM Naidu demanding a public apology and threatening a Rs 1.45 crore defamation suit. The state government maintains the dismissal is purely based on evidence of professional misconduct.
With the trial reaching a crucial stage and key accused still in judicial custody, this dismissal is seen as a step to restore faith in the probe.