ED launches raids on premises tied to Vivekananda Reddy murder case in Kadapa and Hyderabad
Enforcement Directorate raids premises linked to the Vivekananda Reddy murder case, targeting financial connections. The operation spanned Kadapa and Hyderabad, focusing on six locations as part of a PMLA probe.
Key takeaways
- The ED conducted multiple searches in Kadapa and Hyderabad on August 21, 2026, under PMLA.
- Targets include individuals named as accused in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case and a searched premises owner linked to the Kadapa family.
- The CBI's charges reference a ₹40 crore contract killing as part of the case’s evidence; the ED is pursuing a money-trail angle.
What Happened
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple sites associated with the Vivekananda Reddy murder case on Friday, August 21, 2026. The operations took place in Pulivendula, Kadapa district, and in Hyderabad, with six premises searched in total. The targets included individuals named as accused in the murder case of former MP Vivekananda Reddy. The searches proceeded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Officials reported that the raids aimed to verify alleged financial dealings and the movement of funds connected to the murder case. Among those whose premises were searched were Devireddy Sivasankar Reddy, Yerra Gangi Reddy, and Sunil Yadav. The premises of Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, father of Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy, were initially locked but were opened after relatives were summoned for the operation.
The investigation traces back to the FIRs and chargesheets filed by the CBI in the murder inquiry. The CBI’s materials describe a contract killing valued at ₹40 crore, a figure that appeared in the record when one of the accused, Shaik Dastagiri, turned approver. The ED’s inquiry is examining whether funds and assets are linked to that alleged payment trail.
Why It Matters
The ED’s actions reflect an ongoing effort to map financial pathways tied to a high-profile political murder case, with potential links to asset attachment under the PMLA if a money-laundering case is established. The operation expands the scope of an already long-running inquiry that has spanned multiple agencies and states, signaling a broader push to scrutinize financial conduct surrounding the case rather than restricting focus to the alleged planning of the crime itself.
Background
Vivekananda Reddy, brother of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and uncle of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was found dead at his Pulivendula residence in March 2019. Initial reports described the death as a heart attack, but subsequent inquiries and political dispute led to a broader probe. The case moved to the CBI in 2020 after his daughter sought an independent investigation, and the Supreme Court later transferred the trial to Telangana. Avinash Reddy, the Kadapa MP’s son, was questioned by the CBI in 2023 and received anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court. His father, Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, was arrested by the CBI in April 2023 in connection with the conspiracy allegations. The CBI’s charges framed a contract killing tied to the murder, which is part of the evidence base the ED is examining under PMLA procedures.
Key Facts
- ED raided six premises linked to accused individuals in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case on August 21, 2026.
- Raids occurred in Pulivendula (Kadapa district) and Hyderabad.
- Accused named in the search list include Devireddy Sivasankar Reddy, Yerra Gangi Reddy, and Sunil Yadav.
- Premises of Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy were searched after an initial lock, later opened with relatives’ involvement.
- Investigation is under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
- The CBI’s case references a ₹40 crore contract killing as alleged in the chargesheets, a figure that is part of the ongoing inquiry.
- Background includes the murder of Vivekananda Reddy in March 2019, with subsequent moves of the case to CBI in 2020 and the Supreme Court transferring the trial to Telangana.
- Avinash Reddy was questioned by the CBI in 2023 and obtained anticipatory bail; his father was arrested by the CBI in 2023 for involvement in the conspiracy.
What Happens Next
Official sources indicate the ED will continue its examination of financial flows and asset movements related to the Vivekananda Reddy murder inquiry under PMLA. The authorities have not disclosed any immediate attachments or arrests tied to the raids, but the investigation is described as part of a broader money-trail review connected to the case.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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