Did Jagan Reddy's Car Hit Man? Party Claims "Doctored Video"

Yet another massive controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh in connection with former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's visit to the home of a former sarpanch in Palnadu district. Three days after a 55-year-old man was reported dead, run over by a vehicle in the cavalcade of Mr Reddy, a shocking video has emerged.  The video purportedly shows the man coming under the wheel of the very vehicle in which Mr Reddy - the chief of YSR Congress --- is seen travelling and waving at crowds.

The man has been identified as Cheeli Singaiah, who died on the way to the hospital.  

The incident dates back to June 18 when the former Chief Minister was returning after a visit to a village in Guntur district.

Mr Reddy had gone to visit the family of a former sarpanch, who is said to have died by suicide following harassment by workers of the ruling Telugu Desam Party.  The former Chief Minister had unveiled his statue at the village.

The police chief of Guntur district had initially said the car which ran over the man was a private car and not part of the official convoy. 

But multiple videos have surfaced subsequently that show the man coming under the wheel of Jaganmohan Reddy's car. Mr Reddy was on the other side of the car at the time, waving to people.

The TDP and state Congress have accused Mr Reddy of callousness.

The YSRCP claimed the video is doctored. 

Accusing the TDP of "politicising tragic accidents",  the YSR Congress said, "Instead of treating the matter with the sensitivity it deserves, the ruling coalition is attempting to exploit it for political gain".

"In a deeply disturbing pattern, they are spreading false narratives and reviving the incident days later by selectively circulating false narrations," the party said in a statement. 

"In the viral video circulated today, it is clearly visible that there was a large crowd surrounding the convoy, and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had no knowledge that the accident had occurred. For a Z+ security protectee, a rope party and road clearance team must lead the convoy. However, the current government has failed to provide adequate security, resulting in repeated lapses," the statement read.

The police had given permission for 11 cars,  and three additional vehicles and 100 supporters for the rally but there were upto 35 cars and hundreds of supporters.

NDTV tried to reach district police chief Satish Kumar but there has been no response so far. The YSR Congress has met the family of Cheeli Singaiah, who is a party supporter, and handed them a cheque of Rs 10 lakh.