Supporter killed by vehicle in Jagan Mohan Reddy convoy; police curbs ignored, political sparring escalates
Published Date – 18 June 2025, 03:53 PM
Man dies after being hit by vehicle in YSR Congress rally Photo: IANS
Amaravati: A 53-year-old man named Singaiah died on Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle traveling in a rally held for YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Where and how the accident happened: The incident occurred on the national highway near Etukuru, Guntur district, as Jagan Mohan Reddy’s convoy headed toward Rentapalla (Palnadu district). To console the family of a party functionary who had allegedly died by suicide following police harassment. According to local residents, one of the accompanying vehicles hit Singaiah. Rally participants allegedly left the victim by the roadside, nearby residents rushed him to Guntur General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Victim’s background: Singaiah had reportedly joined the procession because he wanted to catch a glimpse of the YSRCP leader.
Scale of the rally: Despite police restrictions, hundreds of YSRCP supporters from Guntur, Palnadu and neighboring districts merged with the convoy as it moved toward Rentapalla. Multiple vehicles belonging to party leaders and supporters tagged on to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s convoy after it departed from his residence in Tadepalli, Amaravati.
Police restrictions and security measures: Palnadu district police had permitted only three additional vehicles and a maximum of 100 people to accompany the former Chief Minister, citing recent stone-pelting incidents during his visit to Prakasam district. Officers set up 25 check-posts around Rentapalla and deployed heavy police presence to manage crowds and prevent clashes.
Political backdrop: YSRCP leaders allege that the ruling TDP-led coalition is deliberately hindering their party president’s movements. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s agenda for the day included meeting the bereaved family of deputy sarpanch Nagamalleswara Rao and unveiling a statue in his honor. The visit follows Jagan’s recent trip to Podili (Prakasam district), where he accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of inciting opposition to his outreach program among distressed tobacco farmers.
