The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, announced its verdict in the 23-year-old case of Tamil actress Prathyusha's death, ruling out the chances of murder and rape. Meanwhile, the court also convicted actor Siddhartha Reddy for abetment to suicide
Actress Prathyusha
The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, dismissed the plea filed by Gudipalli Siddhartha Reddy, challenging his conviction on the charge of abetment to suicide in 23 years old case. It started after Telugu and Tamil actress Prathyushya died by suicide in 2002.
Supreme Court dismisses murder and rape of actress Prathyusha
A bench comprising Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Manmohan pronounced the judgment in the case on Tuesday. The bench dismissed the plea by Prathyushya's mother, Sarojini Devi, who claimed that her daughter's death was due to murder.
It ruled out murder by means of strangulation and observed that the overwhelming ocular and medical evidence establishes that she died due to poisoning. "One is, murder by strangulation is ruled out. Two, overwhelming ocular and medical evidence proves death due to poisoning. Three, the offence of rape against the appellant accused is not made out. Four, at the belated stage, it is difficult to allege that the cause of death was rape and strangulation... the defence of accidental consumption was rejected. Abetment by purchase of Neurontone established," the bench pronounced.
The court convicts Siddhartha Reddy
As per the facts stated in the case, Prathyushya and Reddy were in a relationship which faced opposition from the latter's parents. The two reportedly consumed poison together in what was described as a suicide pact; however, Reddy survived. Subsequently, he was convicted on charges of abetment to suicide and attempt to suicide. He was sentenced to five years in prison, which was later reduced to two years by the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2004.
Challenging his conviction on the charge of abetment to suicide, Reddy allegedly approached the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Prathyushya's mother also approached the Supreme Court, against the reduction of the sentence to Reddy.
Her mother alleged that her daughter was raped and poisoned. During the hearing, Reddy was granted bail. The Court had also asked for the postmortem report of Dr B Muni Swamy, who had earlier stated that the death of the actress was caused by strangulation. However, Dr Muni Swamy was not examined during the trial.
However, the Court dismissed the allegation of rape, noting, "...surviving partner in a mutual suicide pact is legally culpable. Conclusion is, due to the above reasons, the present appeal on merits is dismissed subject to the no order as to the cost. The appellant is directed to surrender within four weeks."
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