The parole scandal of rowdy-sheeter Srikanth has created a sensation across Andhra Pradesh. Srikanth, who is serving a life sentence in a murder case, has been frequently coming out on parole and running mafia operations. Behind him stand two TDP MLAs and a minister, providing shelter and support.
The scandal came to light when photos and videos of Srikanth romantically involved with his close aide Nidigunta Aruna in a hospital went viral. The issue snowballed, forcing Home Minister Anitha to hold a press meet, where she admitted that granting parole to Srikanth was a mistake. Unable to answer pointed questions from reporters, she fumbled and, out of desperation, lashed out at the YSRCP. Following the controversy, Srikanth’s parole was revoked.
Meanwhile, Aruna posted online that TDP leaders and police officers who had used her and Srikanth for their benefit had now abandoned them. Fearing that she would spill the beans and expose the truth, the police arrested Aruna.
Mafia empire with a convict
The coalition leaders have gone to the extent of colluding with a life convict to run settlements and mafia deals. Srikanth, a notorious rowdy-sheeter from Nellore district, is serving a life sentence in Nellore jail for murder. Yet, using health grounds, he has been repeatedly brought out on parole with the support of TDP MLAs and some police officials.
His associate Nidigunta Aruna, from outside, has been influencing officials and TDP leaders while extending his settlement network. Every few weeks, Srikanth was shifted to Tirupati’s hospitals on flimsy medical excuses, where he expanded his crime empire along with Aruna. Recently, videos of Srikanth and Aruna together at Ruia Hospital in Tirupati surfaced, further deepening the scandal.
When questioned about why a parole prisoner was at the hospital, police put out unconvincing stories, claiming Srikanth was injured in an accident during transport. Meanwhile, a few people from Nellore and Gudur had lodged complaints with police just 15 days ago, warning that their lives were in danger from Srikanth and Aruna.
Home Minister Cornered
As allegations mounted over parole for a hardened criminal, Home Minister Anitha admitted at a press conference that “a mistake had happened.” She revealed that the Home Department had received a call from Aruna requesting parole for Srikanth. She claimed an inquiry was underway and that she cancelled the parole once she came to know the facts.
However, when reporters questioned her about recommendations made by TDP MLAs for Srikanth’s parole, she dodged and said “don’t do postmortem on these matters.” Unable to face further tough questions, she faltered and ultimately tried to shift blame onto the YSRCP.
Aruna’s arrest to suppress the truth
Aruna, in a Facebook post, suggested that a conspiracy by TDP leaders was behind the leaking of her videos with Srikanth from the hospital.
She wrote:
“If such conspiracies are happening against us, if Srikanth is suffering, why are those who used him for so long staying silent? If Srikanth’s voice does not matter, should I open my mouth? At most, you will kill me, that’s all! It is better to face death than to live with these humiliations and accusations.”
Her words raised alarm, as they hinted at the involvement of influential leaders and officials. Fearing revelations, the government swiftly moved and got Aruna arrested.
