Laddu aide held, let free

The police on Tuesday arrested Upendra Singh, a close associate of Gurvinder Singh alias Laddu, the prime accused in the Ayesha Meera murder case. He was released later after interrogation, police commissioner, Mr Rajendranath Reddy, said here on Tuesday. He was arrested from Jagitial in Karimnager district on Monday after which his parents approached the State Human Rights Commission on Tuesday.

Ayesha Meera, a firstyear B.Pharm student, was allegedly raped and murdered at a private hospital in Ibrahimpatnam on December 27.

The case has gained political significance with allegations of involvement of some ministers’ kin and a prolonged delay in investigation by the police.

Meanwhile, the home minister, Mr K. Jana Reddy on Tuesday said that the police had definite clues in the case.

“We will achieve a breakthrough very soon. The investigation has reached the final stages. The police have collected strong evidence against the suspects,” he said adding that the government would take stern action against the accused. “The investigation has now gained momentum and we have definite clues,” Mr Reddy added.