Justice for Driver Subrahmanyam Will Be Ensured, Says MLA Tangirala Soumya

Andhra Pradesh Government Whip and Nandigama MLA Tangirala Soumya on Wednesday reaffirmed the coalition government’s commitment to securing justice for the family of Veedhi Subrahmanyam , the Dalit youth whose murder in 2022 triggered widespread outrage across the state and became a major political flashpoint.

In a statement issued on the occasion of Subrahmanyam’s death anniversary, Soumya said the government would continue pursuing the case until all those responsible are brought to justice. She accused the previous YSRCP government of attempting to suppress the case despite serious allegations and evidence against former MLC Anantha Babu , who was later named as the prime accused.

The case had shocked Andhra Pradesh after Subrahmanyam, who had worked as a driver for Anantha Babu, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in May 2022. According to the victim’s family, the former MLC personally brought the body to their residence during the early hours of the morning and initially claimed that the youth had died in a road accident. However, family members alleged that the body bore multiple injuries inconsistent with an accident, leading to suspicions of murder.

The incident sparked protests from Dalit organisations , opposition leaders and civil rights activists, who demanded an impartial investigation. As public pressure intensified, police registered a murder case and arrested Anantha Babu. Over time, the case evolved into one of the state’s most controversial criminal investigations, raising questions over political influence, police accountability and Dalit justice .

Launching a sharp attack on the previous administration, Soumya alleged that the police system was misused to shield the accused and destroy critical evidence. She also referred to issues such as the alleged diversion of SC/ST Sub-Plan funds , the renaming of institutions linked to Dalit identity, and the controversial Dr Sudhakar case , claiming that atrocities against Dalits, women and youth had increased during the earlier regime.

Soumya said the present coalition government has reopened the matter with seriousness and initiated a comprehensive investigation . She stated that a special public prosecutor has been appointed to expedite the trial and strengthen the prosecution.

Demanding swift completion of the criminal proceedings against Anantha Babu (A1) and co-accused Lakshmi Durga (A2) , the MLA also called for legal action against officials who allegedly concealed files or mishandled evidence during the previous government’s tenure. She asserted that the coalition government stands firmly with Subrahmanyam’s family and remains determined to ensure accountability in the case.