Telangana MLA’s son suspected in suicide of prominent businessman; on the run

Naveen S Garewal
Tribune News Service
Hyderabad, January 7

Telangana Police are looking for the son of a ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi’s (TRS) Member of Legislative Assembly in connection with the suicide of a prominent businessman and three of his family members in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, officials said.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Rohit Raj said at a press briefing that eight search teams were sent to the houses of families and friends of legislator Vanama Venkateswara in Andhra Pradesh as well as Telangana to look for his son, Vanama Raghavendra Rao—formerly a member of the TRS.

Police suspect Rao’s involvement in the suicide of a 43-year-old businessman, Ramakrishna, his wife, and his twin daughters at Paloncha town on January 3.

The businessman recorded a video accusing the MLA’s son of making “nasty” remarks about his wife, 40-year-old Sri Lakshmi. The video has since gone viral.

Ramakrishna, Sri Lakshmi, and their 12-year-old twin daughters set themselves on fire, police said.  Ramakrishna, Sri Lakshmi, and one of their daughters, Sahitya, died almost immediately. Sahitya’s twin fought on for longer, dying of her burns on January 5.

A suicide note that the businessman left behind also mentions his mother and an older sister with whom he was involved in a dispute over property.

The suspect Vanama Raghavendra Rao fled soon after police registered a case of abetment to suicide (Section 306 of the India Penal Code).

Opposition parties have since been demanding his arrest.

As the chorus for Rao’s arrest grew, TRS suspended him from the party.