Srikakulam police department initiated temporary disciplinary action on Kasibugga Sub Inspector M. Suneel who reportedly extended his support to former Minister Seediri Appala Raju’s son Sidiri Arav Varma who allegedly indulged in rash bike driving and killed one shepherd named Danayya on July 10 near old National Highway of Kasibugga of Srikakulam district. Srikakulam Superintendent of Police K.V. Maheswar Reddy issued orders, putting Mr. Suneel in ‘Vacancy Reserve’ category. He was relieved from duties from Kasibugga and suggested to wait for next posting.

According to sources, Mr. Suneel initially filed a road accident case on another youngster Mr. Siddarth who is a friend of Mr. Arav. It was alleged that Mr. Appalaraju had put pressure on the police to register a case in the name of Mr. Siddarth instead of his son Mr. Arav. Meanwhile, the CCTV footage at petrol bunk proved that Mr. Arav was driving the bike although it was registered in the name of Mr. Siddarth. With the widespread uproar from victims’ family and TDP leaders, the department began a fresh inquiry and arrested Mr. Arav. Mr. Siddarth was also arrested on the charges of misleading the police department in the crucial case.

The local TDP MLA Gouthu Sireesha and other leaders charged that the police officer had yielded to pressure tactics of the Seediri family and initially tried to help Mr. Arav in the case. The higher officials ordered an internal inquiry and observed that the sub inspector Suneel had not discharged his duty properly and brought bad name to the department. With the directive from higher officials, Mr. Maheswara Reddy issued ‘VR’ orders.