The development has triggered a political stir and prompted swift disciplinary action from the Pawan Kalyan-led party, which announced her expulsion soon after the arrest.
Published Jul 12, 2025 | 6:22 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 12, 2025 | 6:22 PM
Janasena leader Vinutha Kota arrested in a murder case
Synopsis: The Janasena Party’s Srikalahasti in-charge, Vinutha Kota, was arrested in Chennai along with her husband and three others for the alleged murder of a 22-year-old former aide, Srinivasulu. The party announced her expulsion following the arrest. Police believe the killing stemmed from a revenge plot after internal political disagreements, with the victim’s body later dumped in the Cooum River.
The Janasena Party in-charge for the Srikalahasti constituency in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 22-year-old personal aide and party worker.
Vinutha Kota, a known face in the region, was arrested along with her husband and three others by the the Seven Wells Police in Chennai.
Police said they identified the victim, Srinivasulu, by a tattoo of the Janasena Party symbol and Vinutha’s name on his body.
The development has triggered a political stir and prompted swift disciplinary action from the Pawan Kalyan-led party, which announced her expulsion soon after the arrest.
“Vinutha Kota, who is in charge of Srikalahasti constituency, has been kept away from party activities for some time now as her behaviour is different from the party’s policies. Allegations against her in a murder case in Chennai have come to the notice of the party. In this order, Vinutha Kota has been expelled from the party,” the party said in a statement.
The deceased, 22-year-old Srinivasulu, also known as Rayudu, worked as Vinutha’s personal assistant and driver.
He was reportedly dismissed from his position a few weeks ago and had gone missing soon after. His body was found in the Cooum River in Chennai on 8 July.
Janasena announces Vinutha’s expulsion
Vinutha was initially allotted a ticket by the Janasena Party for the 2024 Assembly elections, but it was later reassigned to an alliance partner.
Reports suggest Rayudu supported this decision, which angered Vinutha. She allegedly plotted revenge with her husband Chandrababu (35).
The couple, along with Gopi (24) from Kalahasti and Dasar (28), a driver from Renigunta, allegedly conspired to murder Rayudu. He was killed in Andhra Pradesh, his body transported in a car, and later dumped in Chennai.
Police said the youth was murdered in Andhra Pradesh, and his body was later dumped in the Cooum River in Chennai.
CCTV footage from the area showed a group arriving in a car and disposing of the body in the river. Police traced the vehicle registration to Andhra Pradesh and expanded their inquiry.
Speaking to South First, Srikalahasti police confirmed that the couple were arrested in Chennai. They also clarified that no missing person complaint had been filed locally and denied reports that the arrested were brought to Srikalahasti for further investigation.
However, all five arrested are expected to be handed over to the Andhra Pradesh police for further action.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
