The late Telugu actress Prathyushya’s mother alleged her daughter was murdered by strangulation

SC upholds conviction in Telugu Actress Prathyusha case; rejects murder, rape claims

In a 23-year-old case of suicide of then popular Telugu actress Prathyushya, the Supreme Court today (February 17) dismissed the plea of convict in this case Gudipalli Siddhartha Reddy. Reddy had challenged his conviction, however the judges bench consisting of Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Manmohan not only dismissed Reddy’s pleas, but also of Prathyushya’s mother Sarojini Devi, who accused Reddy of murdering her daughter.

Murder by strangulation not proved

While Prathyushya’s mother alleged her daughter was murdered by strangulation, the top court observed that the medical evidence clearly proves poisoning. The bench observed, “One is, murder by strangulation is ruled out. Two, overwhelming ocular and medical evidence proves death due to poisoning. Three, the offence of rape against the appellant accused is not made out. Four, at the belated stage, it is difficult to allege that the cause of death was rape and strangulation…defense of accidental consumption rejected. Abetment by purchase of neurontone established,”.

Why did Prathyushya commit suicide?

As per the finding, the late Telugu actress Prathyushya and Reddy were in a love relationship and that wasn’t approved by Prathyushya’s family, her parents were against this. Mentally harassed by this, both Prathyushya and Reddy consumed poison, but Reddy survived.

After recovery, Reddy was convicted on charges of abatement to suicide and attempt to suicide. Reddy was proved guilty and sentenced for 5 years of rigorous imprisonment, however, later his sentence was reduced to 2 years in 2004 by High Court of Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy challenged his conviction in the Supreme Court, and the late actress Prathyushya’s mother challenged the reduction of the sentence of Reddy to two years. She even alleged that Reddy raped and poisoned her daughter. During the proceeding, the court granted bail to the appellant. The judges bench ordered for the postmortem report of Dr B Muni Swamy, that had pointed towards strangulation. Court ordered, “Five, Dr Muni Swamy had furnished an unprofessional postmortem report. Six, consequences of premature and deliberate publication of the report. Surviving partner in a mutual suicide pact is legally culpable. Conclusion is, due to the above reasons, the present appeal on merits is dismissed subject to the no order as to the cost. The appellant is directed to surrender within four weeks.”