SRIKAKULAMFormer Minister and YSRCP senior leader Seediri Appalaraju’s son Arav has surrendered at the Kasibugga police station on Monday evening over his involvement in a road accident, which claimed the life of a 45-year-old man at the old National Highway road of Kasibugga of Srikakulam district on July 10.The accused surrendered after police had shown prima facie evidence about the road accident that led to the death of a shepherd.A tense situation prevailed as YSRCP leaders and activists gathered at the police station, and they urged the police not to file a case against Arav, claiming that he was not involved in the accident. However, Arav and his advocates asked the activists to maintain peace.The incident happened on July 10 when the victim, D. Danayya, a shepherd, died on the spot after he was hit by a two-wheeler. In this case, the police had earlier arrested Tyadi Siddardha, who is Arav’s friend, as the bike involved in the crime scene is registered in his name.After the incident, the locals claimed that the two-wheeler was ridden by Arav, and they lodged a complaint with the police. However, Mr. Appalaraju’s family members refused the allegations and said that the police were trying to defame the family at the behest of the TDP leaders.In the backdrop of allegations and counter-allegations, the Srikakulam Police began a fresh investigation into the alleged involvement of former Minister Seediri Appalraju’s son Arav in connection with the road accident case. The police verified the CCTV footage at the petrol bunk and other places in the accident route. The CCTV footage confirmed that Mr. Arav was at the petrol bunk and the national highway on Friday night at around 9 and 10 pm. However, there is no clear evidence or CCTV footage at the accident spot.Meanwhile, YSRCP State secretary Yenni Dhanunjay charged that the ruling party was trying to defame Mr. Appalaraju and family members as they had been highlighting the ‘misdeeds’ of the government. Published - July 13, 2026 09:20 pm IST