VIZIANAGARAM/VISAKHAPATNAM:The police have intensified their investigation into the mysterious death of Kolli Venkata Ramprasad, former owner of Jyothi Theatre, and a realtor in Visakhapatnam. Ramprasad, a resident of Yendada, died with bullet injuries at a mango orchard in Veduruvada village of Bondapalli mandal in Vizianagaram Tuesday. However, without informing the police, friends of the deceased shifted him to Visakhapatnam and took him to a doctor who also happened to be a friend, who later declared that Ramprasad was brought dead with bullet injuries.
According to sources, the owner of the farmland, the lease holder and one ASP rank police official were present when the incident happened. Vizianagaram police took the trio into custody for interrogation. Senior police officials suspect the ASP’s hand in the death.
Based on evidence gathered at the spot, the police are learnt to be strongly suspecting that Ramprasad was shot with a pistol, and not a victim of misfire as was initially claimed.
It is also learnt that the police have suggested to the family members of the deceased not to speak out on the incident for investigation purposes.
“There are several unclear aspects in the incident. There is a big gap between ground reality and the information provided by eyewitnesses. We are probing from several angles. Spot evidences indicate that it is a murder, not a misfire. However, the postmortem report will reveal more information,” a senior police official said.
The police are seeking clarity on issues like owner of the weapon, possible real estate disputes, the shifting of the victim to Visakhapatnam and role of the ASP.
Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam crime police are also probing Ramprasad’s business affairs and disputes.
“We have some strong points in the incident and everything will be revealed once the investigation is complete,” a sub-inspector of police, Visakhapatnam, said.