Viveka Murder Case: ED Questions MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy for Seven Hours

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy for nearly seven hours at its Hyderabad office on Wednesday in connection with the alleged financial transactions linked to the murder of former Andhra Pradesh minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. The investigation reportedly focused on the source of the ₹40 crore allegedly intended to be paid in connection with the murder and the possible links between the transactions and Avinash Reddy. The ED is examining allegations that advance payments meant for individuals accused of directly participating in the crime were routed through several people, including D. Shivasankar Reddy and Yerragangi Reddy, before reaching other accused persons. Investigators reportedly questioned Avinash Reddy about the origin of the funds and transactions before and after the murder. According to reports, officials confronted him with financial records, documents and witness statements collected during the investigation. As the agency decided to seek further clarification, Avinash Reddy was directed to appear for questioning again on Thursday. These allegations remain under investigation and have not been established as proven facts by a court.

The ED has also questioned other individuals connected to the case, including approver Sheikh Dastagiri, accused persons Sunil Yadav, Yerragangi Reddy and Uma Shankar Reddy, and D. Shivasankar Reddy, as well as Avinash Reddy’s father, Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy. Investigators are reportedly comparing their statements to establish when payments were allegedly made, who supplied the money and how it was used. The probe is examining the possible money-laundering angle surrounding the alleged ₹40 crore payment arrangement. In the separate CBI case, Avinash Reddy has faced allegations relating to a conspiracy and the destruction of evidence following Vivekananda Reddy’s murder. The ED’s latest questioning has renewed speculation about possible further action, but no conclusion about arrest or guilt can be drawn solely from the questioning. The agency’s investigation into the alleged financial trail and the relationships among those named in the case is continuing.