Supreme Court Rejects Nandigam Suresh’s Bail Plea in Mariamma Murder Case

The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant setback to former Andhra Pradesh MP and YSR Congress Party (YCP) leader Nandigam Suresh by rejecting his bail plea on Tuesday. Suresh, who had earlier been arrested in connection with the high-profile Mariamma murder case, saw his petition dismissed by the apex court. After being denied bail by the trial court, he had approached the Supreme Court seeking relief.

A bench led by Justice Dipankar Datta, while pronouncing the verdict, pointed out that the trial court had rejected Suresh’s bail application due to his alleged concealment of crucial details regarding the criminal cases registered against him. The Supreme Court stated that it would not interfere with the trial court’s order, thereby upholding the decision to deny bail to the former MP.

Background of the Mariamma Murder Case

The Mariamma murder case, which garnered significant attention in Andhra Pradesh, involves the brutal killing of a Scheduled Caste woman, Mariamma, in 2020. A resident of Velagapudi village in Tulluru Mandal, Mariamma had openly criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at the time, accusing him of betrayal. She alleged that the government had failed to deliver on its promises, such as providing her with a house and pension.

Following her public criticism, a group of supporters allegedly linked to Nandigam Suresh attacked her residence. The attack resulted in Mariamma’s death after being severely beaten. Despite lodging a complaint, her son claimed that the police initially ignored the case. He further alleged that the investigation was deliberately sidelined during that period.

The investigation gained momentum after the opposition alliance came to power. Mariamma’s son approached Minister Nara Lokesh, urging him to ensure justice for his mother. Acting on Lokesh’s instructions, the police expedited the probe and subsequently arrested Nandigam Suresh, sending him to prison.