TDP leader murdered, loyalist prime suspect

Telugu Desam Party leader Chalasani Venkateshwara Rao (54), also known as Pandu was on Sunday found murdered in his flat on the fourth floor of the ‘Swapnika’ apartments in Maduranagar, Yosufguda. Pandu is believed to have been close to Nandamuri Harikrishna and had earlier been associated with Paritala Ravi.

According to Inspector Krishna, Pandu’s close associate Mahender Reddy is the prime suspect based on the version of the building watchman who has told the police that he had seen Reddy leaving the place early on Monday morning.

Police believe that Mahendar Reddy and Chalasani Pandu, besides an unidentified person, had arrived together to the flat late on Sunday night.

The police also believe that the murder took place after a dispute broke out between the two over sharing the proceeds of a land deal.

Pandu was found strangulated, besides the presence of injuries to his head and chest.

Pandu, a native of Ventrapragada, Peddaparupadi mandal in Krishna district had earlier worked with Paritala Ravi.

He was considered close to Nandamuri Harikrishna to the extent that he managed to get the party Assembly ticket thrice, but lost each time.

He also contested as an Independent candidate but failed to impress the voters.

Pandu is also believed to have been involved in land disputes settlement cases, with Mahender Reddy being his close aide.

On getting information police commissioner A K Khan, DCP task force Kamalasan Reddy, DCP West Zone Stephen Ravindra and Inspector Krishna has reached the spot.

Sources say that the police conducted searches on the residence of Mahendar Reddy apartment in Kukatpally. Sources say that vital clues like blood stains have been found. Samples have been sent to the Forensic Sciences Laboratory for verification.

Meanwhile, the news about the murder sent shockwaves among the TDP leaders, with some of them accusing the government of neglecting to provide security to Pandu.

A case has been registered under section 302 IPC and the body shifted to Gandhi Hospital for autopsy.

Pandu’s body will be shifted to Venkatapragada in Vijayawada for the last rites.