Kadapa: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of YSRCP leader YS Vivekananda Reddy has now taken five more people into custody for interrogation. Vivekananda Reddy was found dead at his residence on March 15.

Parameswara Reddy and four others are now in custody with the SIT. Parameswara Reddy is reportedly a close friend of the slain leader and reports suggest that he absconded after the murder.

The SIT picked up Parameswara from Tirupati, and shortly after, he was admitted in a private hospital.

While he claimed innocence, his wife alleged that Jagan's family hatched a conspiracy to frame him.

Four others associated with Parameswara were also taken into custody. Parameswara is a native of Kasanur village in Simhadripuram mandal of the same constituency.

Among those taken into custody for investigation include Sekhar Reddy, who is allegedly a contract killer. Sekhar Reddy has several cases against him at various police stations. Another person, Sunil Reddy was also taken into custody by the police.

The statements of all those questioned have been recorded in Pulivendula police station.

Those interrogated also include Reddy’s brothers Pratap Reddy, Bhaskar Reddy and Manohar Reddy.

Vivekananda Reddy’s daughter, son-in-law and brother-in-law have also been questioned.

Vivekananda Reddy, a former MP of Andhra Pradesh was found dead in his bathroom on March 15.

Initial reports suggested that the politician suffered a cardiac arrest and died. However, police confirmed after investigation that the two-time MP was murdered. Vivekananda had injury marks on his head, hands and back.

Vivekananda Reddy was elected as Kadapa Lok Sabha MP in 1999 and 2004, representing the Congress. He was also twice elected to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly (1989, 1994) from Pulivendula. He is the brother of former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy.

The death sparked a political slugfest between the ruling TDP and the Opposition YSRC. Both parties have levelled allegations against each other for the killing.

Alleging that the TDP would interfere in the investigation, the YSRCP has sought a CBI probe in the murder. A petition in this regard was filed in the Andhra Pradesh high court on Tuesday by advocate Kasa Jagan Mohan Reddy.