Investigation – Mass Transfer Ordered After Fresh Probe Reveals Alleged Murder of Agriculture Officer
Investigation –The Andhra Pradesh Police have taken an extraordinary administrative step by transferring the entire staff of Buchireddypalem Police Station in Nellore district after a fresh investigation suggested that the death of Mandal Agriculture Officer Nadavati Srihari was not natural, as initially believed. The action follows allegations that the original inquiry failed to properly examine the circumstances surrounding the case, leading senior officials to order a comprehensive review.
Fresh Investigation Changed the Course of the Case
Srihari died on June 15 while returning from Penchalakona, and the incident was first recorded as a natural death believed to have resulted from a heart attack. The case remained closed under that conclusion until concerns were raised by his wife, N. Lavanya, who questioned the findings and sought a detailed investigation into her husband’s death.
Acting on her complaint, Superintendent of Police Ajitha Vejendla directed officials to reopen the case. The renewed investigation reportedly uncovered evidence indicating that Srihari may have been killed through a lethal injection, with investigators linking the alleged crime to an ongoing property-related dispute.
Police Take Unusual Administrative Action
Following the findings of the fresh probe, authorities initiated one of the most significant personnel reshuffles seen in the district. Every one of the 23 officers and staff members posted at Buchireddypalem Police Station has been transferred to different assignments.
In addition, Circle Inspector Mathangi Srinivasa Rao has been moved to the Vacancy Reserve (VR), a decision that came amid allegations that the initial investigation did not adequately examine available evidence or pursue all possible leads. The transfers are being viewed as part of the department’s effort to ensure accountability and maintain public confidence in the investigative process.
Arrests Made as Search Continues
The investigation has already resulted in the arrest of two suspects identified as Sompalli Ravindra and Buchingari Yanadayya. Police believe both individuals were connected to the alleged conspiracy surrounding Srihari’s death.
Meanwhile, officials are continuing efforts to locate the main accused, Kudumula Harikrishna, who is Srihari’s brother-in-law. According to investigators, Harikrishna is currently absconding, and search operations are underway to trace his whereabouts and bring him before the law.
Property Dispute Emerges as Key Motive
Investigators have indicated that a dispute involving property may have been the motive behind the alleged murder. While police have not publicly disclosed every detail of the evidence collected during the renewed inquiry, officials say the investigation has substantially altered the understanding of the case compared with the initial conclusion of natural death.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence, question individuals connected to the case, and examine all available forensic material. They have stated that further legal action will depend on the progress of the ongoing investigation and the evidence presented during the course of the inquiry.
Case Highlights Importance of Thorough Investigations
The developments have drawn attention to the importance of careful and impartial investigations, particularly in cases where family members raise doubts about the official findings. The large-scale transfer of an entire police station’s staff is considered an uncommon administrative measure and reflects the seriousness with which senior police officials are treating the matter.
With arrests already made and the search continuing for the principal accused, investigators are expected to pursue the case until all aspects of the alleged conspiracy are examined. Police have maintained that the investigation remains active and that additional developments may emerge as the inquiry progresses.