In a dramatic development that has rattled political circles in Andhra Pradesh, former minister and senior YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Kakani Govardhan Reddy was arrested at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala while allegedly attempting to flee the country. The arrest was carried out on Sunday morning after Nellore police received a tip-off from airport authorities about Kakani’s suspicious travel plans.
Authorities acted swiftly, dispatching a team from Nellore to Kerala, where they intercepted Kakani just before he could board an international flight. He was immediately taken into custody. Officials confirmed that he will be brought back to Andhra Pradesh pending approval from local law enforcement in Kerala.
Criminal Charges and Ignored Summons
Kakani Govardhan Reddy is currently facing three criminal cases, two of which are directly tied to illegal mining operations in the state. The initial complaint was lodged in January by TDP leader and former minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, who accused Kakani of carrying out unauthorized quartz mining in protected tribal zones. This complaint prompted tribal groups to come forward with their own allegations of harassment, land damage, and threats, culminating in a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Despite repeated notices issued by investigating officers, Kakani failed to present himself for questioning. Law enforcement teams had previously visited his residence in Nellore and reportedly extended their search to Hyderabad, but he remained elusive. His attempt to leave the country has now intensified the investigation, with officials considering the possibility of additional charges related to evasion of law.
The arrest has come as a major blow to the ruling YSR Congress Party. While Kakani held considerable influence within the party and his home district of Nellore, his sudden arrest and the circumstances surrounding it have triggered widespread concern among party ranks. Several senior leaders are now under scrutiny, and opposition parties have seized the moment to question the ruling party’s stance on corruption and law enforcement.
Kakani’s arrest also revives conversations around political accountability, especially as the state heads into an election-sensitive period. TDP leaders have demanded a thorough investigation into illegal mining activities and have accused the ruling party of shielding those involved until now. This incident adds yet another chapter to Andhra Pradesh’s ongoing battle with political corruption and illegal resource exploitation, with many eyes now on how the YSRCP leadership responds to this unexpected crisis.
