Supreme Court Directs Accused to Surrender in Actress Pratyusha Death Case
The apex court dismissed the petition filed by G. Siddharth Reddy challenging the sentence imposed by the High Court. Upholding the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court bench directed Siddharth Reddy to surrender before the police within four weeks to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Hyderabad: The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered its final verdict in the two-decade-old death case of Telugu film actress Pratyusha, which had created a sensation across the Telugu states in 2002.
The apex court dismissed the petition filed by G. Siddharth Reddy challenging the sentence imposed by the High Court. Upholding the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court bench directed Siddharth Reddy to surrender before the police within four weeks to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Pratyusha and Siddharth Reddy were reportedly in a relationship while studying Intermediate in Hyderabad. While Pratyusha later entered the film industry, Siddharth pursued engineering studies. On February 23, 2002, the two allegedly consumed poison together and were rushed to a private hospital. Pratyusha died on February 24, while Siddharth Reddy recovered and was discharged on March 9.
Medical examination reports stated that pesticide had been mixed in a cold drink and ruled out the possibility of sexual assault or strangulation.
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which probed the case, filed a chargesheet against Siddharth Reddy under Section 306 (abetment of suicide) and Section 309 (attempt to suicide) of the Indian Penal Code.
In 2004, a Hyderabad Metropolitan Sessions Court sentenced Siddharth Reddy to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,000. In 2011, the High Court reduced the sentence to two years but enhanced the fine to ₹50,000.
In 2012, both Siddharth Reddy and Pratyusha’s family approached the Supreme Court with appeals. After prolonged hearings, the apex court had recently reserved its judgment, which was pronounced on Tuesday.
Taking into account the appeal filed by Pratyusha’s mother and the arguments presented by Siddharth Reddy, the Supreme Court directed the accused to surrender and serve the remaining part of his sentence, bringing legal closure to one of the most high-profile cases in the Telugu film industry.
