Nellore police have taken up investigation into the extortion threat made to Kovur MLA Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy recently.

It may be recalled that a person had handed over a letter to the security staff at the Vemireddys’ residence on August 17, which was initially thought of to be a memorandum on some public issue. However, it turned out to be a demand for payment of ₹2 crore. The letter also mentioned that she would be killed if she failed to make the payment.

Taken aback, the security staff alerted the MLA and her spouse Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy (Nellore MP), who filed a complaint with the Dargamitta police.

After registering a case and launching the probe, the police browsed through the CCTV footage, which led to two suspects. One of them, hailing from Alluru in Kavali constituency, was reportedly found to have written the letter to the legislator demanding money. It is also not yet clear if there was anyone else behind the extortion threat.

The second suspect, who was picked up for moving suspiciously in the vicinity of the MLA’s residence, was later let off.