Vijayawada: The high court on Wednesday granted conditional bail to five persons convicted in the high-profile murder of TDP leader Paritala Ravindra. Ravindra was assassinated on Jan 24, 2005 in Penukonda town of Anantapur district. The five convicts — Narayana Reddy (accused No. 3), Rekhamayya (A4), Ranganayakulu (A5), Odayna Konda (A6), and Obireddy (A8) — who have been serving life imprisonment for nearly 18 years, approached the high court seeking relief. The court, considering their prolonged imprisonment, approved bail with strict conditions. Each of the convicts must furnish a surety bond of ₹25,000 and report to their local station house officer every week.
Additionally, the court suggested that the convicts apply for remission, as they had already served significant jail time, and instructed the authorities concerned to review their remission applications within four weeks and take necessary action.
Paritala’s murder in 2005 was a major political incident in Andhra Pradesh, drawing intense public and media scrutiny. TDP, which was the principal opposition party in the state at the time, had accused the then chief minister and others of being involved in the conspiracy. The CBI investigated the case and submitted its report to the court, stating that long-time rivalry of Paritala with Maddela Cheruvu Suri’s family was the reason for the murder. Investigations found that Joolakanti Srinivas Reddy, also known as Moddu Srinu, along with P Narayan Reddy and Rekhamayya, shot Paritala inside the party office. In Aug 2011, the Anantapur sessions court found eight individuals guilty and handed them life imprisonment.
