Supreme Court Delivers Verdict in Actress Pratyusha Case, Orders Surrender Within Four Weeks

The Supreme Court has delivered its final verdict in the sensational death case of Telugu actress Pratyusha, dismissing the petition filed by Siddharth Reddy and directing him to surrender within four weeks. Pratyusha’s death on February 24, 2002, after allegedly consuming a pesticide laced soft drink along with her friend Siddharth Reddy, had triggered widespread debate across the Telugu states. While initial reports described it as a suicide attempt following opposition to their relationship, suspicions were raised after postmortem findings indicated injuries and a fractured neck bone. Pratyusha’s mother, Sarojini Devi, consistently alleged foul play and pursued a prolonged legal battle seeking justice.

In 2004, a Sessions Court convicted Siddharth Reddy and sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine. In 2011, the High Court reduced the sentence to two years while enhancing the fine. Both Siddharth Reddy and Sarojini Devi later approached the Supreme Court, seeking relief and enhancement of punishment respectively. A bench comprising Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Manmohan upheld the High Court’s decision and ordered Siddharth Reddy to surrender and serve the sentence. The verdict brings closure to a legal battle that spanned nearly 24 years.