Dalit youth murder: Arrest of Ex-Minister's son sparks outrage

Amaravati (The Uttam Hindu) : Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested Pinipe Srikanth, son of former YSR Congress Party Minister Pinipe Viswarup, in connection with the murder of Dalit youth J. Durga Prasad, which occurred two years ago. Srikanth was taken into custody in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and is being transported back to Andhra Pradesh on a transit warrant. Authorities had been searching for Srikanth for several days before his arrest. Following his capture, he was presented before a local court to secure the transit warrant needed for his transfer to Konaseema district.

During his apprehension, Srikanth denied the allegations against him, claiming, “I am a doctor. I know only saving lives and not taking lives,” and asserted that he was illegally arrested. Durga Prasad was murdered on June 6, 2022, shortly after riots in the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. The motive for the murder remains unclear, but police believe it was part of a well-planned conspiracy.

Srikanth and YSRCP social media convenor V. Dharmesh, who was arrested on October 18, were friends of the victim and had reportedly participated in party activities together. Investigations indicate that Durga Prasad was taken to Kotipalli dock by Dharmesh and subsequently followed by four other men, leading to his death by strangulation. Initially reported missing by a friend, Durga Prasad's body was later discovered, with the autopsy confirming foul play. Pinipe Viswarup, Srikanth's father, previously served as the transport minister in the YSR Congress Party government. His house in Amalapuram was set ablaze during protests over the renaming of Konaseema district in May 2022, although he and his family were not present at the time.