Supreme Court Rules Out Murder in Actress Pratyusha’s Death, Upholds Conviction for Abetment of Suicide
Bench Dismisses Pleas by Convict and Victim’s Mother
Court Finds Death Due to Poisoning, Not Strangulation or Rape
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 18, 2026:
The Supreme Court of India has delivered its final verdict in the long-running case concerning the death of Telugu actress Pratyusha, ruling out charges of murder and rape while upholding the conviction of Gudipalli Siddhartha Reddy for abetment of suicide. The judgment, pronounced on February 16, 2026, by a bench of Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Manmohan, brings closure to a case that has lingered for over two decades and attracted widespread media attention.
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The Case: From 2002 to 2026
Pratyusha, a rising star in Telugu and Tamil cinema, died in 2002 under mysterious circumstances. Initial reports suggested strangulation, while her mother, Sarojini Devi, alleged foul play and insisted it was murder.
Siddhartha Reddy, who was closely associated with Pratyusha, was accused of rape, murder, and abetment of suicide. The trial court convicted him for abetment of suicide, a decision upheld by the High Court. Both Reddy and Sarojini Devi approached the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the conviction and press for murder charges respectively.
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Supreme Court’s Observations
The apex court dismissed both appeals, making several key findings:
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- Murder ruled out: The court categorically stated that “murder by strangulation is ruled out.”
- Poisoning established: Medical and ocular evidence confirmed that Pratyusha’s death was due to poisoning.
- Rape charges not proved: The court held that allegations of rape were not substantiated.
- Suicide pact inference: The bench observed that the circumstances pointed to a suicide pact, amounting to abetment of suicide.
Justice Manmohan noted that while the case was tragic, the evidence did not support charges of murder or sexual assault.
Impact of the Verdict
The ruling has several implications:
- Closure for a 23-year-old case: The verdict ends decades of litigation, bringing finality to the matter.
- Legal precedent: Reinforces the principle that courts must rely on medical and ocular evidence rather than speculation.
- Accountability: Upholds the conviction for abetment of suicide, ensuring that culpability is recognized even when murder is ruled out.
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Reactions to the Judgment
- Family of Pratyusha: Her mother expressed disappointment, insisting that her daughter was murdered.
- Legal experts: Welcomed the clarity, noting that the ruling emphasizes evidence-based justice.
- Public discourse: The case has reignited debates on the pressures faced by young actors in the film industry and the need for mental health support.
What Lies Ahead
The Supreme Court directed Siddhartha Reddy to surrender within four weeks to serve his sentence. The ruling is expected to influence future cases where allegations of murder are made without sufficient evidence, reinforcing the importance of forensic proof.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s verdict in the Pratyusha death case underscores the principle that justice must be rooted in evidence, not speculation. By ruling out murder and rape while upholding abetment of suicide, the court has provided closure to a case that has haunted the film industry and legal circles for decades. The judgment also serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the pressures faced by young actors navigating fame and personal relationships.
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