Supreme Court rules out murder by strangulation in 2002 Telugu actor death case

The Supreme Court in a judgment on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) ruled out murder by strangulation in the death of Telugu actor Pratyusha in 2002.

The court said that, at this belated stage, it would be “difficult” to allege that the cause of death was rape and strangulation, as alleged by the actor’s mother.

A Bench of Justices Manoj Misra and Manmohan said there was “overwhelming” ocular and medical evidence of poisoning. The apex court rejected the defence of accidental consumption. The court said abetment, leading to her death, by purchase of neurontone has been established.

Justice Manmohan said the offence of rape against accused G. Siddartha Reddy, believed to be in a relationship with the actor, was not made out.

The prosecution said Reddy and the actor had entered into a pact to take their own lives. Pratyusha died in hospital while Reddy survived.

Justice Manmohan, who pronounced the judgment in court, held the “surviving partner in a ritual suicide pact is legally culpable”.

The court ordered Reddy to surrender in four weeks.

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