Amaravati, April 24: A significant development has emerged in a high-profile murder case in Andhra Pradesh. Ananta Babu, a Member of the Legislative Council associated with the YSR Congress Party, was arrested by police on Friday. He is accused of intimidating and influencing witnesses in the murder case of his driver, a Dalit youth named Vidhi Subrahmanyam.
The situation escalated dramatically in Rajamahendravaram when Ananta Babu exited the court after a hearing regarding his bail cancellation. Police, already stationed outside, swiftly took him into custody. His wife, Lakshmi Durga, who is also a co-accused in the case, was present at the time.
Authorities are preparing to transport Ananta Babu to Kakinada, where he will be presented in court. Reports indicate that he had been evading capture and violating bail conditions. To apprehend him, police formed five special teams, including circle inspectors and sub-inspectors.
On April 20, a new case was registered at the Sarapavaram police station in Kakinada based on complaints from four key witnesses. The witnesses alleged that Ananta Babu offered them large sums of money to change their statements. When they refused the bribe, they were threatened with death.
Three witnesses also claimed they were forcibly held in an apartment and pressured to alter their testimonies. Following these allegations, charges of witness tampering and criminal intimidation were filed against Ananta Babu.
Special Public Prosecutor Muppala Subbarao also filed a petition in court requesting the cancellation of his bail, citing violations of the conditions set by the Supreme Court.
Ananta Babu, whose real name is Ananta Uday, is accused of murdering his driver Subrahmanyam (34), who died under suspicious circumstances on May 19, 2022, in Kakinada.
It is alleged that Ananta Babu transported the victim’s body to his home around 2 AM, claiming it was a road accident. However, the family rejected this explanation and accused him of murder, leading to strong protests from Dalit organizations and relatives.
Following his arrest, the party suspended him, but he was granted default bail in December 2022 due to the failure to file a charge sheet within 90 days. Subsequently, the TDP coalition government, which came to power in June 2024, decided to reopen the investigation. In July 2025, a special SC/ST court also ordered a re-examination of the case.
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