In a significant development in the long-running investigation of the 2022 murder of Dalit youth Veedhi Subrahmanyam, the Andhra Pradesh government has appointed prominent civil rights advocate Muppalla Subbarao as special counsel to assist in the case.
This move signals the state's renewed effort to fast-track the trial and ensure justice for Subrahmanyam’s family, who have fought a relentless legal battle for nearly three years.
The case revolves around the brutal killing of 27-year-old Veedhi, a driver employed by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ananta Satya Uday Bhaskar, also known as Ananta Babu. On May 19, 2022, Veedhi was allegedly murdered by Bhaskar, who reportedly disposed of the body at his own residence.
At the time of the incident, the YSRCP was in power, and allegations quickly emerged regarding political interference in the investigation. The then-superintendent of police confirmed that Bhaskar had confessed to the crime, leading to his arrest. However, he was granted interim bail and has remained free since, sparking widespread outrage from Dalit rights groups and activists across the state.
Veedhi’s parents, Nookalamma and Satyanarayana, accused the authorities of deliberately undermining the case to protect the influential accused. Their accusations were supported by civil society members and Dalit organisations, who claimed that the investigation was compromised from the outset.
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Several serious lapses in the investigation have been highlighted by the victim's family and rights activists. These include failure to analyze key evidence, neglecting to interrogate witnesses, and delays in the legal process.
Critics argue that these flaws allowed Bhaskar to remain free, casting serious doubt on the impartiality of the justice system. Activists called for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), alleging a "deep-rooted conspiracy" to shield the accused from justice.
With the recent change in the state’s political leadership, there has been a shift in the direction of the case. The new government has reinvigorated the investigation, and the appointment of Muppalla Subbarao—a seasoned civil rights advocate—is seen as a critical step toward ensuring a transparent and accountable legal process.
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After his appointment, Subbarao raised concerns about the original investigation, particularly the extent of Veedhi’s injuries. He questioned whether it was possible for one person to inflict 31 external and three internal injuries, suggesting the involvement of multiple perpetrators.
Subbarao also alleged that certain police officers and individuals within the previous administration may have intentionally misled the investigation.
“The role of others was never investigated,” Subbarao remarked. “I will fulfill the responsibility entrusted to me and ensure that all those responsible—directly or indirectly—are brought to justice.”
For Veedhi’s family and Dalit communities across Andhra Pradesh, this case has become a symbol of both injustice and resistance. The hope now is that, with renewed legal oversight and political will, the truth will finally come to light—and justice will no longer remain a distant dream for a family who has already endured too much.
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