Congress leader commits suicide in Hyderabad

A Congress leader, who was the prime accused in a murder case, Saturday committed suicide, police said.

Y. Sridhar Reddy was found dead at his residence in Uppal on the city outskirts. Police suspect he consumed poison.

The family members claimed that he left behind a suicide note, blaming mental harassment by police for resorting to the extreme step. He reportedly alleged that a senior police official demanded Rs.10 lakh to withdraw a case against him.

Known as Uppal YSR in the area, the 44-year-old was earlier this month arrested along with five others for allegedly planning to eliminate corporator M. Parameshwar Reddy of Ramanthapur. He had come out on bail a few days ago.

Considered close to former home minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, Uppal YSR was the prime accused in the murder of the corporator's elder brother M.Jagadishwar Reddy seven years ago. According to police, the two had political rivalry for supremacy in Uppal.

Sridhar Reddy allegedly hired some killers to eliminate Parameshwar Reddy as he had strengthened himself politically in the area by becoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) corporator from Ramanthapur and was also was vigorously following up trial of his brother's murder case.