The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a notice to Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy, directing him to appear before the agency on 14 October in connection with the probe into alleged financial transactions linked to the murder of his uncle, former Andhra Pradesh minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. Avinash Reddy, who is among the accused in the 2019 murder case, is also the cousin of former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Background to the Summons

The ED's move follows its recent questioning of other key accused in the case. Yerra Gangi Reddy appeared before ED officials in Hyderabad on 28 and 29 September, while Uma Shankar Reddy, Sunil Yadav, and Shaik Dastagiri — an accused-turned-approver — were also examined as part of the agency's money laundering investigation. According to reports, Gangi Reddy and Uma Shankar Reddy were questioned based on statements recorded from Sunil Yadav the previous week.

The ₹40 Crore 'Supari' Allegation

At the heart of the ED's probe is the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) suspicion that a contract worth ₹40 crore — commonly referred to as a 'supari' — was offered to the accused to eliminate Vivekananda Reddy. The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in August last year, basing its money laundering case on the CBI's registered case and subsequent charge sheets. The agency is separately examining the alleged transfer of ₹4 crore and a reported advance payment of ₹1 crore to Shaik Dastagiri.

Raids and Escalating Scrutiny

Last month, the ED conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Avinash Reddy, his father Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy, and other accused. Bhaskar Reddy was arrested by the CBI in 2023 along with his follower, Uday Kumar Reddy. The CBI has filed a first charge sheet in the case in 2021, followed by supplementary charge sheets in 2022 and 2023.

The 2019 Murder and Its Investigation

Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, the 68-year-old brother of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), was killed at his residence in Pulivendula on 15 March 2019 — weeks before state assembly elections — when unidentified persons broke into his home. The Andhra Pradesh High Court handed over the investigation to the CBI in 2020, acting on a petition filed by Vivekananda Reddy's daughter, Sunitha Reddy, who had raised suspicions about certain relatives. The dual-track investigation — CBI on the criminal conspiracy and ED on the financial trail — has intensified as both agencies close in on the alleged money links behind the killing.

What Happens Next

Avinash Reddy is expected to appear before the ED in Hyderabad on 14 October. His response — whether he complies, seeks an adjournment, or approaches a court — is likely to shape the next phase of the ED's probe. The case carries significant political weight given his ties to Jagan Mohan Reddy, who led the YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh until earlier this year.