Pawan Over-Estimating His Strength?

For quite some time, there have been reports doing in the media and social media circles that Jana Sena Party floated by power star Pawan Kalyan would have an electoral understanding with YSR Congress party headed by Y S Jaganmohan Reddy in the forthcoming elections to the Andhra Pradesh assembly and also parliament elections.

At one stage, these reports said both the parties had even struck a secret deal on seat sharing.

While Pawan Kalyan has demanded 50 MLA seats and five MP seats, the YSRC has agreed to give 20 MLA seats and two MP seats. A midway solution had been worked out between both the parties, said these reports.

However, Pawan on Sunday night rubbished these speculations.

“There is absolutely no basis for these speculations, which are nothing but wild guessing. Some have predicted that Jana Sena would join hands with this party or that party, while some others even went to the extent of declaring that Jana Sena had even entered into an understanding with a particular party over seat-sharing,” he pointed out.

Pawan asserted that Jana Sena did not need the support or alliance of any other party.

“We have enough strength and popular support. We shall display our tremendous force (in the coming elections),” he tweeted.

Whether Pawan is really over-estimating his strength and confident of coming to power on his own or whether it is part of the strategy to hoodwink the political rival Telugu Desam Party is not yet known.

But his tweet has already got the trolling from his critics.

“Your brother Chiranjeevi also made similar comments in 2009. But what had he done ultimately? He merged his Praja Rajyam Party with the Congress and disappeared from politics,” a netizen commented.

Actor politician and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday met with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan and submitted a report on the extent of damage in Srikakulam District by Cyclone Titli, which struck the state earlier this month.

Pawan Kalyan met Narasimhan at his official residence, the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad, along with party leaders Madasu Gangadharam, Nadendla Manohar and Tota Chandrashekar and said that the cyclone had destroyed the natural beauty of the Uddanam region.

“He demanded for emergency aid to Srikakulam district and also demanded for an immediate inspection by a central government team,” the JSP said in a press release.

After the meeting, Pawan spoke to reporters, where he demanded a complete loan waiver for all farmers in the cyclone hit areas. He also said that many of them were yet to get electricity, even ten days after the cyclone.

Speaking to reporters, Nadendla Manohar said, “Our main demand is to provide 100% loan waiver for farmers in the region. The compensation from the state government is not sufficient. Fishermen have also lost their livelihood. The central government should immediately send teams to these areas, to assess the damage.”

Earlier this week, following his six-day long ground visit to the affected areas, Pawan Kalyan lashed out at the state government regarding the ‘meagre and inadequate’ relief measures taken in Srikakulam district.

The JSP chief said that he and his party restrained himself from going to the cyclone hit area as it would cause disturbance to the relief operations. He further added that they had visited 48 villages to understand the extent of the devastation in the area.

Pawan alleged that the government-run cyclone shelters were not ready, adding that if the government was prepared enough the losses incurred would have been reduced greatly.

The JSP leader further alleged that the state government has yet to recognise the full extent of the losses incurred and that no financial assistance has been provided to those affected yet.

Cyclone Titli: Pawan Kalyan travels through Srikakulam, speaks to affected locals.

Pawan also questioned some of the relief measures being provided by the TDP and the lack of power in many areas.

Actor-politician and Jana Sena Party Chief Pawan Kalyan on Thursday evening began travelling to areas affected by Cyclone Titli in Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam District. Taking to Twitter, Pawan said that he would update the details gathered from his visit on social media and also hit out at the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the state. 

Taking to Twitter, Pawan said, "I will keep updating my Twitter timeline with photos and videos of the damage caused by 'Cyclone Titli' while I travel. The world doesn’t know the extensive damage caused by it."

Responding to criticism from the TDP that Pawan was not concerned about those affected by the cyclone, the JSP chief said, "I request TDP leaders to see that JSP is a responsible political party and wish that they stop criticising our field visits. Don't forget we played a instrumental role in TDP’s win. To TDP leaders, you will be accountable for every meaningless word of criticism against us in the future. Measure your words. Nothing goes unnoticed." 

"I didn’t want my visit to be a hindrance to cyclone affected areas as the government machinery initiated relief efforts. Because of this, I delayed my visit. TDP leaders should show some restraint while they criticise us," he added.

He also questioned some of the relief measures being provided by the TDP and the lack of power in many areas.  

"In Srikakulam, even as families are affected and pouring out their grief, the AP government launches an App urging people to upload photos and geotag the damage that  was caused to them. However, the Irony is that even six days after the cyclone, half the villages are still under darkness," he said.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Minister Nara Lokesh and Srikakulam MP B Ram Mohan Naidu have appealed to people from across the world to donate to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to help rebuild the lives of those affected by the natural disaster.  

Stating that Cyclone Titli struck on October 11 with high winds of up to 165 kmph, followed by flooding, heavy rain ranging from 10 to 43 cm and storm surges, Lokesh said that the state government was working full-time in restoring normalcy in the affected areas.

Days after the attack on him inside Vizag airport, Andhra Pradesh Opposition leader and YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has written two letters to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. While in one he sought central intervention on the attack, in the other one he sought assistance to the state government towards Cyclone Titli relief measures by releasing funds.

The letters were submitted to Rajnath Singh by a YSRCP delegation led by Rajaya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy and party senior leader and former MP YV Subba Reddy along with other leaders.

Calling the attack unfair and motivated, Jagan sought intervention from the Centre in the investigation into the attack. He said that he was attacked by an unknown assailant on the pretext of taking a selfie from close physical proximity.

Claiming that the investigation into the case by the state government was “undertaken in a predetermined and deficient manner”, Jagan stated that local inquiries had arrived at a “premature conclusion” and tried to portray the attack as an “internal ploy” of the YSRCP.

Calling the quick response by Andhra DGP RP Thakur, where he claimed that the attack was merely motivated by a desire to gain some public attention, as “hasty” and “improper ascertainment” and an attempt to minimise, Jagan said it was tailored to suit the interests of the ruling TDP government.

Jagan has also stated that the state government machinery is working with the “ulterior motive of trivialising” the attack on him. He alleged that CM Chandrababu Naidu, through his press statements, made blatant attempts to “misguide the investigation progress” by claiming that the attack was internal and done to seek sympathy ahead of the upcoming elections.

He also wrote that CM Naidu was trying to dilute the “gruesome” attack on him by claiming it was scripted for ‘Operation Garuda’. TDP circles have been claiming that this was a campaign orchestrated by the BJP-led union government in order to destabilise the state.

Jagan stated that he was absolutely certain that the investigation agencies, which are under the control of the state government, would not “effectively discharge their functions”.

He urged the union minister to entrust an investigation agency that is not under the control of the state government, to ensure that the inquiry would not get “vitiated” and the real reasons behind the attack will be unearthed to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, on Sunday the Vizag City Police produced the assailant J Srinivasa Rao before the VII Metropolitan Magistrate Court after he had been arrested under section 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC.

Funds for cyclone relief sought

While informing the union minister that Cyclone Titli had cost several lives and resulted in widespread damage in the area, Jagan said “urgent assistance from the central government is positively imperative at this juncture to provide relief to the state.”

Jagan told the minister that the state government’s estimation of Rs 3,435 crore is an amount that is necessary for restoration in the cyclone-hit areas, while urging immediate and adequate assistance from the central government.

Jagan attack: YSRCP leaders to meet President, demand probe by central agency

We don’t trust and do not have confidence on the investigation by the AP police," YSRCP leaders told reporters in Delhi.

The Andhra Pradesh police on Sunday said that the recent attack on YSRCP President YS Jaganmohan Reddy at the Visakhapatnam airport was an attempt to murder him. The police made this claim in a remand report that was submitted to a local court, while seeking custody of the accused. This came, even as the YSRCP has planned to approach the President of India and demand a third party probe, stating that they did not trust the investigation by state authorities. 

Jagan was attacked with a small knife by a man working as a waiter at a restaurant at the airport, who approached him with a request to take a selfie. The incident occurred when Jagan was waiting to board a flight to Hyderabad.

Given the case's sensitivity, the Visakhapatanam police have appointed an Assistant Commissioner of Police rank officer to oversee the investigation. Apart from a mobile phone, a small knife of 2.5 inches, another instrument with a blade, and 10-page hand-written letter was seized from the accused. He was arrested under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of Indian Penal Code.

Meanwhile, in a related development, YSRCP Rajya Sabha member V. Vijaya Sai Reddy and former MPs YV Subba Reddy, Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy and P Avinash Reddy travelled to New Delhi on Sunday and have sought an appointment with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and President Ram Nath Kovind. 

Speaking to reporters, Subba Reddy said, “We don’t trust and do not have confidence on the investigation by the AP police as minutes after the attack, the state police and TDP leaders started a cover-up. The DGP said that the attacker was a YSRC sympathiser and attacked Jagan to seek publicity which is part of cover up act. We suspect senior leaders of the ruling party are behind the attack and we demand a third party probe with any central agency." 

Following the attack, Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police R.P. Thakur told reporters that the accused was Jagan's fan. He said the youth might have carried out the attack for publicity.  

The case garnered significant political attention as the main parties YSRCP and TDP made 'conspiracy' accusations at each other. While TDP said that the BJP was involved in motivating the crime, YSRCP accused TDP for plotting to eliminate its leader. 

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi earlier this week, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu even said that the attack on Jagan was an attempt by the BJP to destabilise the state government. 

The Vishakhapatnam police have requested that J Srinivasarao, accused in the attack on Andhra Opposition leader YS Jaganmohan Reddy at the city airport on Thursday, to be remanded to 15-day police custody.

Vishakapatanam police have appointed an Assistant Commissioner of Police rank officer to oversee the case given its sensitivity. Officials had stated that the accused attacked Jagan on the pretext of taking selfie, “J Srinivasarao attacked [YS Jaganmohan] with a very small knife on his left upper arm leaving a 2-3 inch deep gash and causing bleeding,” they said.  

Police told the Vishakapatanam VII Metropolitan Magistrate Court that their investigation has found that the attacker, who was working in Fusion Restaurant, was a staunch supporter of YSRCP leader Jagan. Srinivasarao apparently wanted to make a representation to Jagan as he believed that if Jagan came into power he would work to solve the grievances of the poor. He was "mentally prepared to do something" to put his concerns across to the leader, police told the court.

Apart from a mobile phone, a small knife of 2.5 inches, another instrument with a blade, and 10-page hand-written letter was seized from the accused. He was arrested under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of Indian Penal Code.

Police have also stated that the Srinivasarao has a previous record – he is accused in a crime in Mummidivaram police station limits of East Godavari.

Officials also told the court, “The investigation is pending for examination of some more witnesses and to analyse the seized documents in this case. In this case, other facts leading to the offence are to be ascertained. Hence, the investigation could not be completed and the accused is required for further investigation for which police custody is necessary to elicit other facts.”

The case garnered significant political attention as the main parties YSRCP and TDP made 'conspiracy' accusations at each other. While TDP said that the BJP was involved in motivating the crime, YSRCP accused TDP for plotting to eliminate its leader.

In what is being touted as a big breakthrough, Vijayawada City Police have busted an interstate gang of seven who are allegedly peddling drugs like cocaine and heroin. The gang comprises five women and two men belonging to West Bengal, Mumbai and Gujarat. The operation was carried out by the Special Task Force of Ajith Singh Nagar in Vijayawada. 

Following a tip-off on the movement of drug peddlers in the city, the Task Force comprising of ACP Rajeev Kumar and Ajith Singh Nagar police Inspector Jaganmohan Rao carried out vehicle check in its limits. It was during the checks that the police stopped a Mahendra TUV vehicle which was suspiciously moving around. After questioning the three people, who were in the vehicle, they allegedly confessed their plan to sell the prohibited narcotics. Those nabbed also revealed information about their gang.

According to police, they had initially seized 4 grams of cocaine and 5 grams heroine, along with 5 mobiles from the car. The people who were arrested during the vehicle check were identified as Pallavi Ganesh Nikumbu (30), Omkar Purushottam of Mumbai and Reshma Staran (32) of West Bengal.

According to Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, Vijayawada Commissioner of Police, the three arrested then told police officials that four members of the gang were halting at Krishnaveni Pushkar ghat in Krishnalanka police in order to find potential drug users in the city.

Following this, police arrested the other four members from Setammapadalu of Krishnaveni ghat. They were identified as Shaik Mastan Ali (24), Sulenki Lekha alias Sonia Bhegum (30) of Gujarat and Rehama Beebi (34), Monia Sardar (33) belonging to West Bengal.

The Police Commissioner said that the gang had allegedly plotted to lure youths from rich families with drugs and then extort huge money. Calling it a major breakthrough, Rao claimed that the police successfully busted a drug peddling racket in the city.

A  total 4 grams cocaine , 10 grams heroine and as many as 10 mobiles were seized .

The police also alleged that the some of the accused manged to get Aadhaar cards and are operating across the states. Police have sent the seized drugs to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which tested the same at their labs and confirmed them to be heroin and cocaine.

However, police are yet to reveal who the users of such drugs are in the city. Vijayawada has in recent months seen frequent busts of ganja.

Police sources suggest that the call data of the accused are being probed to ascertain who the customers from Vijayawada are.

Officials also appealed citizens to pass on any information relating to drug peddlers.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, BSP leader Mayawati and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and said that opposition parties have political and ideological compulsions, but they have to move forward to defeat the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections.

The TDP leader also met Loktrantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav and former Union minister Yashwant Sinha as part of his efforts to bring together opposition parties against the Modi government in the 2019 elections. Naidu also called on CPI leaders D Raja and S Sudhakar Reddy at Capital's Andhra Bhawan.

Addressing a press conference, Naidu attacked the Modi government saying people were feeling betrayed and that opposition parties should find ways to come together in the overall interest of the country. 

"What is right, (on that basis) we have to move forward. There are political compulsions, there are ideological compulsions...and overall interest of the nation -- how to join together, how to work together. I am meeting everybody. We will move forward," he said.

Naidu, whose party had quit the Modi government and the ruling National Democratic Alliance earlier this year, accused it of targeting opposition leaders. 

Asked if he could be convenor of a third front, Naidu did not give a direct answer, but noted that coalition governments "have done well" and their "policies are very clear." 

He said economic reforms were initiated by the Narasimha Rao government, which did not have a full majority on its own.

Naidu referred to the coalition governments including the National Front and the United Front governments and said governments have not been formed without a national party. "You have to give confidence. We have to move forward," he said. 

He also talked about the possibility of post-poll tie-ups. "After elections, some big people may come. (At present) there is pressure from central government. It is a continuous process," he said. 

Asked about his stance on Congress, Naidu said the two parties are part of an alliance against the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti in Telangana. He said Congress had divided the state, but it had promised special status which the BJP-led government did not implement. 

Kejriwal, who met Naidu in the capital's Andhra Pradesh Bhawan, later said they discussed national issues. 

"Had a good meeting with Chandrababu Naidu. Sharad Yadav was also present for a while. Discussed national issues. Present BJP government is a threat to the nation and to the Constitution. People across India will need to join hands to save India and the Constitution," he tweeted.

Centre wants to destabilise Andhra govt': CM Naidu hits out at BJP, PM Modi

In a wide-ranging speech, Naidu slammed the central government on demonetisation, relief funds for Cyclone Titli and the attack on YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday lashed out at the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that 'democracy was under threat' in the country. 

Speaking to reporters at the Press Club of India, Naidu said, "Today I came here to inform the nation what is happening in this country with this central government, especially in Andhra Pradesh particularly. In 2014, the BJP before elections had promised a vibrant democracy and strong and healthy competition among states. They also promised 'Ache Din.'"

"Today if you see, when are we going to get Ache Din? Election year has come and what has the present government been doing? Whenever there is elections, 2-3 months in advance, entire machinery focuses only on that but it is evident that they destroyed all systems and misused their power to the core," he added.

Naidu spoke on an array of issues from demonetisation to Cyclone Titli, to the recent attack on YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy at the Visakhapatnam Airport earlier this week. 

Speaking about demonetisation, Naidu said, "They promised to bring back black money. Where is that money? What happened to it? At least, did they even sincerely make an attempt? Even though I supported demonetisation, I gave them a report and told them clearly that we can control corruption only if digital currency is cost effective compared to physical currency. Against that advice, they brought Rs 2,000 and new Rs 500 notes. Because of this, money distribution in elections and indulging in corrupt practices is easy now." 

"Because of demonetisation, every citizen of this country suffered. Today, it is considered a futile exercise with no result," he emphasised.

Speaking about the TDP's earlier alliance with the NDA, the Andhra CM said, "We had an alliance. There was a breach of trust and they never fulfilled all the promises made in the Bifurcation Act even though I repeatedly insisted. Twenty-nine times I came to Delhi, Nothing was done. There was a deliberate attempt to damage TDP. Is it ethical? Even then I waited for the state, but they never supported our cause. Ultimately, in the interest of the public, we opposed them, our ministers resigned and we moved the no confidence motion."

Pointing out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had indirectly hinted that Naidu was 'immature' while speaking on the floor of the House during the debate on the motion, the TDP chief said, "I don't have maturity? What does that mean? You became CM in 2001 and I became CM in 1995. I implemented second generation economic reforms in my state. In Andhra, we implemented reforms with a vision and today that is Hyderabad. I can say proudly, Hyderabad is a knowledge economy with one of the best infrastructures." 

Speaking about bifurcation issues, Naidu said, "The PM should have called meetings between Telangana and Andhra and sorted it out. Instead, he is creating problem among states." 

He also accused the Centre of "working against Andhra" citing one example, where they "released Rs 350 crore for seven backward districts but later took back the money from the state's treasury."

"None of our demands have been fulfilled. Nothing has been done. This is the discrimination that government of India is indulging in, against a state which has been newly formed," Naidu said.

Speaking about Cyclone Titli and the damage in Srikakulam District, Naidu said that the Centre was yet to disburse funds to help the state despite his repeated requests. 

When asked about the attack on Jagan, Naidu said, "Airport security is under the CISF. It has happened inside the airport. After sometime, they handed him over to the police with a 10-page letter and our people took him into custody and we are investigating it. However, BJP leaders in the state began accusing the TDP, not even understanding that it is Central forces who are responsible and it is a security lapse on their part." 

Naidu also had harsh words for Governor ESL Narasimhan, who reportedly called the DGP following the attack on Jagan. 

"He immediately called my DGP and questioned him. Governors are interfering in administration. I have been CM for 14 years. We have said in the past also, that we should abolish Governor's post because they are working agents for central government. That is not good." 

"With the attack on Jagan, the Centre wanted to destablise the Andhra government. Is it right? This incident happened in the airport and is a failure of the Centre. You have to review it and not me. Ultimately, truth will prevail," Naidu said.

Emphasising the importance of cooperative federalism, Naidu asked, "What is the role of Centre in the state? State government are sovereign governments. I'm here to tell the truth to the nation that the Centre has to correct themselves. Democracy is in danger and secularism is under threat. It is my responsibility to tell the nation what is happening in this country. I don't indulge in petty politics." 

Earlier in the day, Naidu had met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) chief Sharad Yadav to discuss ‘national issues.'

A day after a delegation from the central government led by Home Ministry Joint Secretary Sanjeev Kumar Jindal visited Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh to take stock of the damage caused by Cyclone Titli in the state's Uddanam region, the seven-member team met with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in the state’s capital Amaravati on Friday.

Jindal said that the team was satisfied with rescue and relief operations that were carried out by the state government and said that they would submit a detailed report to the Centre. Naidu told the team that they had calculated a total loss of Rs 3,673.10 crore that was incurred due to the cyclone and demanded that the Centre act quickly in providing financial aid.

“I spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over phone about the loss due to Cyclone Titli. I wrote a letter to him with full details of loss incurred. But there is no response from the Centre till date. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh came to Andhra Pradesh for a ground-breaking ceremony of their party office, but he did not visit the cyclone affected areas. That pained me a lot. We worked hard, did not even celebrate Dussehra. We have made arrangements that the victims get compensation within 20 days of the cyclone. While the state government is making all efforts, it is unfortunate that the Centre is not caring for Titli victims. I hope at least now, justice will be done,” Naidu was quoted as saying.

On Thursday, the central team travelled to the areas where massive damage occurred due to the cyclone. Many locals expressed their helplessness to the delegation as they had lost years of hard work, with coconut and cashew trees being uprooted, and said that their future was uncertain as it would take several years to plant and grow the trees again. 

After meeting locals, the delegation also spoke to several district officials on the steps taken by the state government so far. 

Last week, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that the cyclone had pushed the area back by two decades. He also said that normalcy would be restored by October 29.

YSR Congress Party President YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who sustained a minor injury at the Visakhapatam airport in a knife attack by a young man on Thursday, refused to record his statement with the Andhra Pradesh Police saying he has no trust in them.

Jagan, discharged from a hospital in Hyderabad on Friday, was approached by a police team to record his statement about Thursday's incident. The Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly told the police team that he will give his statement to any other investigation agency.

Jagan, who had sustained an injury on his left arm and was admitted to the hospital after landing from Visakhapatnam on Thursday, spent about 24 hours in the hospital. The doctors advised him a week's rest. The YSRCP chief later left for his residence in the city.

Jagan was attacked with a small knife by a youth working as a waiter at a restaurant at the airport and who came closer to the leader to take a selfie. The incident occurred when Jagan was waiting to board a flight to Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, YSRCP leader Y V Subba Reddy and two others moved the Hyderabad High Court on Friday, seeking probe by a central agency into the attack on Jagan.

Police in Visakhapatnam said they were still investigating the case. J. Srinivas Rao, who was arrested immediately after the attack, was produced before a magistrate later in the day and sent to judicial custody till November 9.

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner Mahesh Chandra Laddha told reporters on Friday that the police would seek custody of the accused.

Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police R.P. Thakur had said on Thursday that the accused was Jagan's fan. He said the youth might have carried out the attack for publicity.

The police commissioner said the accused used a small knife generally used in cockfights. "It was eight centimetres long and of this only 3 centimetres was the sharp portion," he said.

The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) reiterated allegations that the attack on Jagan was part of a conspiracy to destabilize the state. Its leaders alleged that Jagan, the BJP, Pawan Kalyan and Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrshekhar Rao were behind the conspiracy.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's son and cabinet minister Nara Lokesh on Friday termed the incident a drama by YSRCP.

Lokesh tweeted that Jagan staged the drama due to fear of another defeat in the elections.

"The family members are not ready to accept that Reddy committed suicide and have demanded a detailed probe," an investigating officer said.

An IIT-Kharagpur student, who hailed from Andhra Pradesh, was found hanging inside his room, the local police said on Friday.

"Gangireddy Hanimi Reddy, a second-year M.Tech student, was found hanging on Wednesday night. Initial probe suggests suicide but an autopsy report can reveal how he actually died," said a senior police officer of West Midnapore district in West Bengal.

The officer said security guards of the institute were informed by the students that Reddy's room had been locked for a long time. He was sharing his room with one other student. Officials later broke open the door and found him hanging inside.

"The family members are not ready to accept that Reddy committed suicide and have demanded a detailed probe," the officer said.

According to media reports, Reddy was the son of a farmer. Family members of the student demanded that he sounded completely normal when they spoke to him and expressed shock over the incident.

IIT's registrar B N Singh said there was no academic pressure on Reddy.

"He was a good student. MTech second year involves project work. The project completion time and the placements both are far away. So, there was apparently no academic pressure."

"As per the supervisors, he was doing well. His death is very unfortunate. We informed the police at the right time and the rest is a matter of investigation," Singh said.

A post mortem was conducted on the body before it was handed over to the family members of the deceased. A forensic report is awaited and is expected to arrive in a matter of days. The police said that an investigation had begun into the incident and find out the reason behind the student taking the extreme step.