Telangana: A complaint has been filed 22 years after the tragic death of actress Soundarya in a plane crash, seeking a fresh investigation. The complaint highlights allegations of foul play, claiming Soundarya’s death was not merely an accident but possibly linked to property disputes involving actor Mohan Babu, her former business associate.
Soundarya, widely recognized for her role as Radha opposite Amitabh Bachchan in the iconic film Sooryavansham, died during a plane crash on April 17, 2004. Reports indicate she was traveling to Karimnagar to campaign for political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), along with her brother Amarnath, who also perished in the crash.
The complaint was filed by Chittimallu, who asserts there was unresolved tension between Soundarya, her brother Amarnath, and Mohan Babu over six acres of land located in Shamshabad’s Jalpalli village. According to Chittimallu, both Soundarya and Amarnath had refused to sell the land to Mohan Babu, leading to increasing conflicts. The allegations suggest Mohan Babu pressured the siblings to relinquish the land rights, and following Soundarya's untimely death, he allegedly seized control of it.
Chittimallu has now approached both the Khammam Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and the District Officer, pressing for the government to seize the disputed land which he argues could benefit diverse organizations, including orphanages and military families. His complaint cites growing fears for his safety stemming from alleged threats made by Mohan Babu.
"After Soundarya's death, Mohan Babu had taken possession of the land forcefully," the complaint alleges, raising new suspicions about the circumstances surrounding Soundarya’s tragic end. The cause of the plane crash has never been conclusively resolved, allowing speculation to flourish over the years.
Addressing the gravity of his own situation, Chittimallu has requested police protection claiming his life is at risk. His complaint does not directly mention any relationship with Soundarya or her family but parallels have been drawn with other disputes involving Mohan Babu's son, Manchu Manoj.
While Mohan Babu has not yet publicly responded to the allegations, the issues surrounding the property dispute and claims of threats have resurfaced troubling memories of Soundarya’s death. The crash site reportedly yielded no traces of Soundarya's or her brother's bodies, adding another layer of mystery to the tragedy.
The contents of the complaint have garnered media attention, prompting experts and the local community to call for renewed legislative scrutiny. There are mixed feelings among fans and supporters of both Mohan Babu and Soundarya. For many, Soundarya remains a beloved figure, epitomizing talent and grace within the South Indian film industry.
Soundarya was more than just her role in Sooryavansham; she also starred alongside numerous prominent names including Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna. Her body of work encompasses several critically acclaimed films and numerous awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film as producer for the Kannada film Dweepa.
Despite her immense popularity and several accolades, Soundarya's life and career were tragically cut short. With fresh allegations revived, many are left contemplating if and how justice will be served decades later.
Authorities have yet to determine any direct culpability concerning Mohan Babu, and no First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged at this point. For now, the legal proceedings remain nebulous, awaiting any substantial evidence or response from those involved. Soundarya's legacy, marred by her untimely death, continues to provoke dialogue within the film industry and beyond, highlighting unresolved tensions and the darker undercurrents of fame.
This complaint against Mohan Babu offers new momentum to the longstanding mysteries encircling Soundarya’s death, affording both supporters of the late actress and skeptics of her past its rightful Chittimallu assertions.