Vijayawada: The police have intensified their investigation into the disappearance of West Godavari district MPDO Narasapuram Venkataramana, believed to have jumped into the Eluru canal. Tracking his mobile signal revealed it was cut off near the Eluru canal in Vijayawada’s Maduranagar area, prompting ongoing search operations in the vicinity.
Venkataramana Rao, who resides in Kanur Mahadevapuram Colony near Vijayawada, was home on holiday from July 10 to 20. On July 15, he informed his family he had work in Machilipatnam. He later called at 10 PM, stating he was at the port and would be home late. After midnight, he sent a message to his wife’s phone saying, “16th is the day of my birthday… also the day of my death. Everyone be careful.” Concerned family members lodged a complaint with the Penamalur police on Tuesday morning. Police found Ramana Rao’s vehicle at Machilipatnam railway station and conducted searches in Vijayawada and Machilipatnam areas.
The disappearance is suspected to be linked to financial arrears in managing the Madhavaipalem Perry Revu dock in Narasapuram Town, with Venkataramana allegedly pressured by local leaders over a ₹54 lakh debt. Venkataramana had revealed on WhatsApp that former whip Prasadaraju was causing him trouble.
