Andhra Family Tragedy: Panchayat Raj Engineer Dies in Godavari

Andhra Family Tragedy: A family from Kakinada faced a tragic incident near Rajamahendravaram after the family travelled to the Godavari bridge late on Sunday night. The Panchayat Raj department engineer died, while his wife and daughter remain missing. Their 10 year old grandson survived and was rescued by fishermen.

The deceased was identified as 61 year old Tillapudi Nookaraju, who had been working as a Panchayat Raj Assistant Engineer in Pithapuram mandal for about a decade. He was due to retire in January next year.

Police said Nookaraju travelled from Kakinada to Rajamahendravaram with his wife Meena, daughter Sowjanya and grandson Karthikeya. The family later reached the road cum rail bridge over the Godavari.

The boy, who knew swimming, managed to stay afloat and called for help. Fishermen in the area noticed him and brought him safely to the shore. He suffered minor injuries and was later taken to a hospital before being handed over to relatives.

Search teams continued looking for Nookaraju’s wife and daughter. Fire department personnel, trained swimmers and rescue teams used boats to search the river. Nookaraju’s body was recovered near the Dhobi Ghat area in Rajamahendravaram on Monday evening.

Letter points to alleged harassment
Before the incident, Nookaraju reportedly sent a message and a letter to colleagues and others. In it, he alleged that his daughter had been facing harassment and threats from a Kakinada based rifle shooting coach, identified as Sheikh Sadiq Khan.

According to the letter, Nookaraju claimed that the coach had been threatening his daughter and had taken control of valuables and access to financial assets. He also alleged that the family had been under severe mental pressure.

Police are investigating these allegations and have registered a case. Officials said Sadiq Khan was absconding and special teams were searching for him.

The coach had reportedly worked as a shooting instructor at a private school in Kakinada. There had earlier been allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving a student, following which he was removed from the school. He later started his own academy.

The 10 year old boy told reporters that the accused used to visit their home and allegedly create trouble. He said there had been frequent arguments at home and that his mother was facing harassment.

The boy also described how he ended up in the river and managed to survive. After spending time in the water, he kept calling for help until fishermen noticed him.

Police are continuing to investigate the allegations against Sadiq Khan and are also examining the circumstances surrounding the family’s decision to go to the bridge.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed concern over the incident and spoke with the superintendents of police of East Godavari and Kakinada districts.

He directed officials to conduct a detailed investigation and take strict action if anyone is found responsible. He also urged people facing threats, harassment or other serious problems to approach the police and seek legal assistance rather than taking extreme steps.

The investigation is continuing, while rescue teams remain focused on locating the missing family members.