VIJAYAWADA: Startling facts have emerged during the investigation into the tragic road accident that occurred three days ago near Ganapavaram village, under the Chilakaluripet police station limits on December 4, in which five engineering students lost their lives.
According to Palnadu police, a 35-year-old man identified as Venkat Naidu was found to have attempted to intercept a container truck that was transporting a tractor load on the National Highway by blocking its path with his car.
Venkat Naidu is the son of Srinivas Rao, who is currently serving as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) at the Narasaraopet DSP office.
Officials further stated that due to this sudden obstruction, a car following the container at close range rammed into it, resulting in a collision.
The impact of the crash led to the instantaneous deaths of five young engineering students. The deceased students were identified as Srikanth, Vasu, Ramireddy, Mahesh, and another student, all of whom were pursuing engineering studies at Vignan College.
Preliminary reports suggest that they were on their way to Sabarimala in Kerala to conclude their Ayyappa Deeksha.
During the course of the investigation, it was found that Venkat Naidu, along with a few associates travelling in a Maruti car, had been following the container for some distance and made multiple attempts to stop it.
Further inquiry revealed that he had been impersonating a ‘brake inspector’ and was allegedly engaged in illegal extortion from heavy vehicle operators along the highway.
“When he attempted to extort money from the container driver under the pretext of being a brake inspector and tried to stop the vehicle on the highway, the chain of events led to the fatal collision. The negligence and unlawful act of the ASI’s son is suspected to be the primary cause of the deaths of the five students,” a senior police official said. Venkat Naidu has since been taken into custody for interrogation.
Police confirmed that a rowdy sheet has been opened against him, and three cases related to extortion and public nuisance are registered.
“We are verifying his background and investigating the involvement of others, if any. Strict legal action will be initiated against all those responsible for this tragic incident,” said Guntur Range Inspector General of Police Sarvashrest Tripathi.