Key leader of Jagan’s party dies in accident

A four-time legislator, Shobha, who was seeking re-election from Allagadda, was grievously injured when her car turned turtle after rolling off the road. The mishap occurred near Allagadda around midnight on Wednesday when she was returning home after participating in the election rallies in Nandyal. The driver lost control while negotiating a curve and the vehicle overturned and rolled four times causing severe head injuries and multiple rib fractures to Shobha,.

A profusely bleeding Shobha, was first admitted to a hospital at Nandyal and later shifted to a corporate hospital here. Two gunmen, who were travelling with her, and the driver also suffered injuries and were undergoing treatment at Kurnool. Their condition was said to be out of danger.

Shobha, 46, is survived by her husband former member of parliament Bhuma Nagireddy, who is contesting from Nandyal Lok Sabha constituency, two daughters and a son. “We are sad to inform that Shobha Nagireddy, who was brought to Care Hospital on April 24 following a major road accident, is no more,” said a medical bulletin issued by Care Hospital here. She was the daughter of former Telugu Desam Party (TDP) minister SV Subba Reddy. She entered active politics in 1996 at the initiative of her husband who was then with the TDP. She was first elected to the assembly in 1997 from Allagadda.

Her sudden death has sent shock waves in the party circles. Jagan and his mother YS Vijayamma cancelled their election rallies in coastal Andhra region and rushed to Hyderabad to be with the grieving family.

• India