Actress Pratyusha Case: 23 Years of Controversy, Allegations, and a Final Verdict
The death of actress Pratyusha remains one of the most controversial and emotionally charged cases in Telugu cinema history. Even after more than two decades, the case continues to spark intense debate, with allegations of rape and murder standing in stark contrast to the official conclusion of suicide.
After 23 long years, the Supreme Court of India delivered its final verdict, bringing legal closure—though not emotional resolution—to the case.
Supreme Court Verdict
Based on the evidence presented, the Supreme Court ruled out allegations of rape and murder. However, it held Pratyusha’s boyfriend, Gudipalli Siddhartha Reddy, guilty of abetment of suicide. The court sentenced him to two years of imprisonment, thereby upholding the core findings of the lower courts.
While the verdict has settled the legal battle, questions remain among sections of the public over whether justice has truly been served.
What Happened on February 23, 2002?
On February 23, 2002, Pratyusha and Siddhartha Reddy were admitted to Care Hospital in Hyderabad after allegedly consuming pesticide mixed with a soft drink. The initial narrative suggested that the couple attempted suicide after their families opposed their relationship due to caste differences.
Pratyusha succumbed shortly after, while Siddhartha Reddy survived.
Mother’s Allegations and Political Storm
From the beginning, Pratyusha’s mother, Sarojini Devi, strongly rejected the suicide theory. She alleged that her daughter was raped by Siddhartha Reddy and his associates, strangled, and later poisoned to stage the incident as a suicide.
She further claimed that influential individuals connected to the then ruling establishment were involved, leading to a systematic cover-up. According to her, critical forensic evidence—including semen samples—was either tampered with or suppressed to weaken the case.
Forensic Controversy and Media Frenzy
Adding fuel to the controversy, a local forensic expert, Dr. B. Muni Swamy, initially suggested signs of manual strangulation and gave a sensational interview that shook public opinion. However, following an official review, his claims were deemed baseless, and he was suspended from service—raising further suspicions.
The case unfolded during the early rise of 24-hour Telugu news channels, which extensively aired debates, reenactments, and conspiracy theories involving alleged gang rape, political pressure, and elite protection.
Legal Journey Through the Courts
Two years after Pratyusha’s death, a sessions court convicted Siddhartha Reddy for abetment of suicide (Section 306) and attempt to commit suicide (Section 309), sentencing him to five years in prison.
Both Siddhartha Reddy and Sarojini Devi challenged the verdict in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The High Court later reduced the jail term to two years but increased the fine to ₹50,000. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court, where all appeals were dismissed, reaffirming that the cause of death was poisoning and not murder.
The apex court ordered Siddhartha Reddy to surrender within four weeks.
Life After the Case
Following the legal proceedings, Siddhartha Reddy maintained a low profile, with little public information about his whereabouts. Over the years, rumors circulated about him being married and settled abroad. Reports suggest he may have already served a significant portion of the sentence, leaving only a short remaining jail term.
Pratyusha’s mother, a government school teacher before her daughter’s film career, later started a charity in Pratyusha’s name. For over two decades, she continued to fight the case, attending court hearings—including those at the Supreme Court—and reiterating her belief that her daughter was a victim of rape and murder.
Public Reaction
The final verdict has come as a major disappointment to Sarojini Devi and many who believed the case warranted a harsher sentence or reclassification as murder. Even today, the case continues to divide public opinion, standing as a grim reminder of how unresolved questions can linger long after the law has spoken.
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