The long-awaited verdict in the tragic case of actress Pratyusha has finally been delivered, bringing both relief and sorrow to her family. The Supreme Court upheld a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the accused, Siddharth Reddy, who has been urged to surrender to the police immediately. Following the verdict, Pratyusha’s mother, Sarojini Devi, expressed her deep anguish and disappointment, stating that true justice has not been served.
In a heartfelt conversation with the media, Sarojini Devi recalled the pain of losing her daughter and emphasized her belief that Pratyusha was a victim of rape and that her death was not a mere suicide. “The Supreme Court has reiterated the High Court’s decision. It has been stated that Siddharth Reddy should surrender, and I believe the sentence of two and a half years has been confirmed. While I respect the Supreme Court’s decision, I cannot shake the feeling that justice has eluded us,” she said.
Sarojini Devi has been fighting for justice since 2011, when the tragic events unfolded. Pratyusha, who was climbing the heights of her acting career, fell in love with Siddharth Reddy, her friend from intermediate school. Their relationship faced opposition from Siddharth’s family, leading to a heartbreaking incident on February 23, 2002, when the couple attempted to take their lives by ingesting poison. While Pratyusha tragically lost her life, Siddharth survived.
Initially sentenced to five years in prison for allegedly instigating Pratyusha’s suicide, Siddharth’s sentence was reduced to two years by the High Court in 2011. Sarojini Devi had hoped that the Supreme Court would enhance this punishment, believing that a longer sentence would provide her daughter with the justice she deserves. “I have been fighting for my child’s justice for 14 years. I thought the Supreme Court would double the sentence handed down by the High Court, but after this verdict, it feels like my hopes have been dashed,” she lamented.
The case has stirred emotions across the Telugu film industry and among fans who remember Pratyusha as a talented actress from the 90s. Although her name may not resonate with younger generations, those who followed her career recall her performances fondly. Sarojini’s struggle has become a symbol of a mother’s fight for justice in a world where many believe the system often fails the victims.
As the legal battle continues, Sarojini remains steadfast in her resolve. “I have always demanded life imprisonment for Siddharth Reddy. My fight is for my daughter, whose soul deserves peace. I refuse to believe anything else,” she declared passionately. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice in instances of violence against women, and Sarojini Devi’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the personal toll such tragedies inflict not only on families but also on society as a whole.
