The Supreme Court on Tuesday delivered its final verdict in the death case of Telugu film actress Prathyusha, a matter that had drawn widespread attention across the Telugu states two decades ago. The court dismissed the petition filed by accused Gudipalli Siddharth Reddy, who had challenged the prison sentence earlier confirmed by the High Court.
With the dismissal of the appeal, the Supreme Court upheld the punishment awarded by the High Court. The bench directed Siddharth Reddy to surrender before authorities within four weeks to serve the remaining sentence.
Background of the Case
Prathyusha and Siddharth Reddy have known each other since their intermediate education in Hyderabad. After completing intermediate studies, Prathyusha entered the film industry, while Siddharth Reddy pursued engineering. On February 23, 2002, between 7:30 pm and 8 pm, both were admitted to a private hospital after consuming poison.
Prathyusha died on February 24, while Siddharth Reddy was discharged from the hospital on March 9 after treatment. Investigations confirmed that the poison had been mixed in a soft drink and consumed by both.
Medical and Investigation Findings
A three-member medical team appointed by the state government reported that Prathyusha died due to organophosphate poisoning. The report stated that there were no signs of suffocation or sexual assault before her death. Based on these findings, the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted a detailed probe into the incident.
The CBI filed a chargesheet against Siddharth Reddy under Sections 306 (abetment of suicide) and 309 (attempt to commit suicide). The Hyderabad Metropolitan Sessions Court initially sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹5,000 in its judgment delivered on February 23.
High Court and Final Outcome
Siddharth Reddy later approached the High Court, challenging the conviction. On December 28, 2011, the High Court reduced the prison sentence to two years while increasing the fine to ₹50,000. With the Supreme Court now confirming the High Court’s ruling and rejecting the latest petition, the legal proceedings in the long-pending case have reached their conclusion.
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