Telangana cops are taking measured steps as Pravalika's death has become mired in politics in the election-bound state.
Published Oct 20, 2023 | 8:17 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 20, 2023 | 9:20 AM
Students protestors accused the state government of being responsible for Pravalika's tragic demise. (Ajay Tomar/South First)
Telangana Police have intensified their hunt for Shivaram Rathod, accused of abetting the suicide of 23-year-old Marri Pravalika, with four teams being dispatched to different locations, including his native Mahbubnagar, and neighbouring Maharashtra.
Dismissing rumours that Rathod was already in custody, ACP Chikadpally A Yadagiri told South First, “We have not yet arrested the Shivaram Rathod. There are four teams out in four locations. Information, along with details of the investigation, will be provided once we nab the accused. The locations cannot be revealed to anybody.”
Police sources told South First that Telangana cops are taking measured steps as Pravalika’s death has become mired in politics in the election-bound state.
An aspirant for a state government job, Pravalika was found dead in her hostel room in Hyderabad on 13 October. She had been living in the city to prepare for examinations conducted by the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC).
It was earlier alleged that the Warangal woman took the extreme step because she was disappointed with the delay in the conduct of the TSPSC exams. Her death took a political hue after Opposition parties accused the ruling BRS of shattering the dreams of job aspirants in Telangana.
After she was found hanging in her hostel at Ashok Nagar in Hyderabad, scores of students staged a late-night protest against the BRS government.
However, after its initial investigation, the police contended it was a failed relationship with Shivaram Rathod that resulted in the young woman taking the extreme step. With her family, too, blaming Rathod, a case of abetment to suicide has reportedly been filed against him.
Accused Shivaram Rathod’s father’s letter to the Human Right Commission.
Meanwhile, Nenavat Kishan Rathod, the father of alleged Pravalika case accused Shivaram Rathod, has written to the State Human Rights Commission alleging harassment and threats by the police.
He alleged that the Chikkadpally Police were attempting to arrest his son only because of political pressure.
“The information on police in hunt for my son is in news everyday and they registered a case in Pravalika suicide but I would like to bring to your notice that nothing was written in suicide letter on love affair,” he wrote.
He said that the police were “constantly harassing and pressurising our family members, our brothers and sisters’ children asking,’Will you bring Sivaram Rathod, otherwise we will encounter you'”.
“We are in a situation where all our family members do not know what to do. I would like inform that along with my son, all family members will attend the sessions court and police should investigate the case without bending to the ruling party or Opposition political parties. My son should not be the target in this case,” the letter reads.
Advocate V Karthik Navayan, representing the family, told South First that he wants Shivaram Rathod to surrender in court, and not to the police.
Marri Pravalika’s family met with Minister KT Rama Rao, BRS working president, who assured them that justice would be served for their daughter’s tragic death.
During the meeting in Hyderabad, KTR promised the accused would soon be apprehended. Pravalika’s mother, Marri Vijaya, her father, Marri Lingiah, and her brother, Marri Pranay, were also assured of government support.
KTR reportedly said that Pranay would be provided with a government job, and the family would receive financial assistance.
Following the meeting, Pranay revealed that KTR had contacted Telangana DGP Anjani Kumar to inquire about the case’s progress and reiterated the government’s support to their family. KTR also criticised the Congress and BJP for politicising Pravalika’s suicide during a Praja Ashirvada Sabha in Karimnagar.
In response to allegations that Pravalika’s suicide was related to the postponement of Group 2 examinations, Vijaya, in a video shared by the family, dismissed the claim.
This was contrary to what she told South First when this correspondent met her in her village.
In the video, she emphasised that the real issue was the alleged torment inflicted by Shivaram, and she urged political parties not to exploit the situation for their gain. Vijaya pleaded with the police to ensure Shivaram’s arrest and severe punishment to prevent such incidents in the future.
Pranay provided further details about Shivaram’s harassment, revealing that his sister was forced to endure mistreatment in front of other hostel mates.
He stated that Pravalika, out of fear, didn’t disclose the situation to her family. Pranay appealed to the government to arrest Shivaram and expressed the family’s desire for severe punishment.
The family firmly denied the government’s role in Pravalika’s suicide and requested political parties, particularly the Congress, not to politicise the tragedy by visiting their home. They sought justice and urged authorities to take strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We are searching for Shivaram. Her friends told us that he had cheated on Pravalika, promising marriage. A case has been registered for abetting suicide and cheating,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Zone) Venkateshwarulu had earlier told South First.
