Morla Srinivasa Rao, an accused in the murder of Palagani Naga Vaishnavi, created a sensation on the premises of the Sessions Court here on Monday by alleging that there was a conspiracy behind the murder and he was being made a scapegoat.
Asserting that he had nothing to do with the crime, Srinivasa Rao alleged that Naga Vaishnavi's mother Narmada Devi, Pedana MLA Jogi Ramesh, who is related to the family, and a police official were behind the murder. The charge was promptly denied by Narmada Devi and Mr. Ramesh separately.
Srinivasa Rao, on seeing the media persons on the court premises while being whisked away by the police, shouted that he handed over a letter to the judge explaining who were involved in the murder. The judge posted the case for further hearing on July 21.
Ms. Narmada Devi told the newspersons that approached her that Srinivasa Rao levelled the allegations only to weaken the case. She sought speedy trial in the case.
Mr. Ramesh said at a press conference in Hyderabad that the charges were “baseless”. The allegations could be part of efforts by the accused to dilute the case and get a reprieve.
He said he played an active role in exerting pressure on the police to apprehend the guilty in the murder of the young girl. Lawyer P. Venkata Rao Goud, who is one of the accused in the murder, was trying to sidetrack the issue by making such charges, Mr. Ramesh alleged.
