SRIKAKULAMThe Srikakulam police arrested former Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Seediri Appalaraju on Wednesday from his residence in Kasibugga for allegedly misleading investigating officers and tampering with evidence in a hit-and-run case involving his son, Arav Varma.The arrest sparked political tension as family members and YSRCP leaders strongly opposed the police action, alleging political vendetta and harassment by the ruling NDA government.On July 10, a 45-year-old man, Danayya, died on the spot after a two-wheeler allegedly ridden by Arav hit him on the Old National Highway at Kasibugga in Srikakulam district.According to the police, Mr. Appalaraju allegedly used his influence to shield his son, Arav. Local police initially registered a case against another youngster, Siddardh, a friend of Arav. However, CCTV footage recovered from a nearby petrol station established that Arav was riding the vehicle before the crash. Following the revelation, police arrested both Arav Varma and Siddardh.Mr. Appalaraju’s name was subsequently included in the First Information Report (FIR) on charges of exerting pressure on the victim’s family to withdraw the case and attempting to conceal evidence.Taking serious note of administrative lapses, senior police officials initiated disciplinary action against Kasibugga Circle Inspector Ramakrishna and Sub-Inspector Suneel, transferring them to the Vacancy Reserve (VR). Published - July 22, 2026 08:24 pm IST