The Kodi Kathi case, which caused a sensation in Andhra Pradesh, marks six years since the incident occurred at Visakhapatnam Airport. The case, which turned into a high drama, was used as a campaign topic by the YSRCP during the 2019 elections. Janapalli Srinivas, who was accused in the case, spent time in jail as an undertrial and was released on bail. He is currently attending regular hearings at the Visakhapatnam NIA Court, and the case has been postponed to November 15. Interestingly, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is considered the victim in this case, has not attended any court hearings so far.
What happened?
On October 25, 2018, YS Jagan arrived at Visakhapatnam Airport to travel to Hyderabad. While he was in the VIP lounge, Janapalli Srinivas approached him for a selfie and then allegedly attacked him with a small knife (referred to as a “Kodi Kathi”). YSRCP leaders quickly publicized the incident, emphasizing that Jagan sustained a minor shoulder injury. He immediately traveled to Hyderabad and was admitted to a hospital near Lotus Pond. Initially, police reported that Srinivas was a fan of Jagan and had attacked him to generate sympathy.
The Case’s Progress and Twists
The then-state government formed a special SIT for investigating the incident. However, YS Jagan expressed distrust in the Andhra Pradesh police and requested an NIA investigation. Despite the NIA filing a chargesheet in 2019, the trial faced delays. Janapalli Srinivas was granted bail on May 22, 2019, but surrendered back to jail on August 13 after the NIA court revoked his bail. Since then, arguments have been ongoing in the Vijayawada court regarding his bail petition.
Unexpectedly, on August 30, 2023, the Kodi Kathi case was transferred from Vijayawada to the Visakhapatnam NIA court. Around the same time, the defense lawyer for Srinivas requested his transfer from Rajamahendravaram prison to Visakhapatnam central prison due to logistical challenges. The court approved this, and Srinivas has been in the Visakhapatnam prison since September 2023 and was released on bail in February 2024.
Demand for a Detailed Investigation
YS Jagan’s lawyers have filed petitions for a thorough investigation into the incident, as well as permission for virtual court appearances via video call. The Visakhapatnam court dismissed the request for a deeper investigation, but the demand remains pending. Jagan’s team has also approached the High Court for further investigation, resulting in an 8-week stay on NIA court proceedings. A hearing on this petition is set for November 15.
Srinivas’s lawyer has stated, “Our slogan is ‘Jagan must come, and the truth must be told.’ If Jagan attends court, the facts will emerge. We demand an open court scene recreation and the recording of Jagan’s statement.”
