The murder case involving Vinutha Kota, a Jana Sena Party leader and Srikalahasti constituency in-charge (Expelled), and her husband Chandrababu has sparked significant media attention and allegations of a political conspiracy in Andhra Pradesh. Vinutha Kota and her husband Chandrababu, along with three associates (Gopi, Shiva Kumar, and Sheik Thasan), were arrested by Chennai police on July 12, 2025, in connection with the murder of their former driver and personal aide, Ch. Srinivasulu, also known as Rayudu (aged 22). Srinivasulu’s body was found in the polluted Koovam River in Chennai on July 8, 2025, identified by tattoos of the Jana Sena Party symbol and Vinutha’s name on his body. The Chennai police allege that Srinivasulu was tortured and killed in Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh due to suspicions that he was spying for supporters of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLA Bojjala Sudhir Reddy, reportedly leaking sensitive political and personal information. The body was allegedly dumped in Chennai to mislead investigators, as Chandrababu was familiar with the area from frequent medical visits.
Police Connecting ‘Conspiracy Theory’ Dots
Key accused Vinutha Kota has claimed the murder case is part of a political conspiracy, pointing fingers at the TDP MLA Bojjala Sudhir Reddy and suggesting internal political rivalries within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition, which includes both TDP and Jana Sena. This claim has fuelled a narrative of political intrigue, with some media reports and social media posts highlighting tensions within the TDP-Jana Sena alliance in Srikalahasti. The couple had reportedly distanced themselves from Srinivasulu in June 2025, after suspecting him of disloyalty, and issued a public statement on June 21, 2025, severing ties with him. The Jana Sena Party responded swiftly, expelling Vinutha and Chandrababu, citing her behavior as misaligned with party policies.
Opposition parties, notably the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), have capitalized on the incident, launching social media campaigns accusing Jana Sena of harbouring criminals. However, Jana Sena and TDP supporters have countered these claims, arguing that YSRCP’s own history undermines its credibility to make such accusations. Local leaders, including Tirupati Jana Sena MLA Arani Srinivasulu and Srikalahasti TDP MLA Bojjala Sudhir Reddy, have distanced themselves from the controversy, with the latter describing the issue as a personal matter between Vinutha and Srinivasulu.
The investigation remains ongoing, with Chennai police relying on CCTV footage and other evidence to build the case. The arrests and subsequent political fallout have intensified scrutiny on the NDA alliance’s dynamics in Srikalahasti, and media reporting on the widening rift within the coalition. Social media discussions on X have further amplified the conspiracy angle, though these claims remain inconclusive without further evidence.