5THLD REDDY 2

Reddy, who died at the age of 60, is survived by wife
Vijaya Lakshmi, son Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, also a Member of
Parliament, and daughter Sharmila.

The Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition L K Advani and
host of other leaders cutting across political divide condoled
Reddy's death and hailed him as a mass leader who worked
tirelessly for the people.

The helicopter, which was headed for Chittoor, about 600
km in the southern end of the state, deviated 18 km from its
regular path towards east near Rudrakoduru in the Nallamala
ranges in Kurnool district in rain and bad weather, the Chief
Secretary said.

Reddy was headed for a surprise visit to a village in
Chittoor for direct interaction with people to check the
delivery mechanism of a welfare programme.

The charred bodies of Reddy and the other four and the
wreckage of the chopper which had broken into several parts
were located at about 0830 hours by an Indian Air Force
helicopter after a massive aerial and ground search operation.

The bodies, which were located on a hillock about 8 kms
from Atmakur and 39 nautical kms east of Kurnool, were on the
verge of getting decomposed because of incessant rains.

Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju ruled out
sabotage behind the crash, saying it was an accident while
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said a probe has been
inititated to ascertain the cause of the mishap. (More) PTI