Andhra Pradesh high court dismises anticipatory bail pleas of YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy's secretary, 2 others in liquor scam case
Vijayawada: The high court on Wednesday dismissed the
anticipatory bail
petitions filed by K Dhananjaya Reddy, who worked as secretary in the chief minister's office during the YSRCP regime, P Krishna Mohan Reddy, OSD to then chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Balaji Govindappa, one of the directors in Bharati Cements, in the alleged
liquor scam case
.
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They had moved the high court seeking anticipatory bail, apprehending arrest in the liquor case based on the confessional statements of other accused individuals. After considering lengthy arguments on both sides, the court observed that as the investigation is at an initial stage, granting anticipatory bail may adversely affect the investigation process.
Dismissing the arguments of the petitioners that confessional statements of other accused individuals cannot be used to implicate them in the case, the high court observed that the statements of other accused individuals can be used as an investigation lead and can also be admissible evidence during trial under Section 30 of the Indian Evidence Act.
The court further observed that the allegations against the petitioners are serious in nature, and the prosecution submitted prima facie evidence suggesting their involvement in the alleged
criminal conspiracy
. Taking note of the accusations that Rs 3,200 crore was collected as kickback for the liquor syndicate, the court stated that the petitioners are not entitled to anticipatory bail, as the power under Section 438 of CrPC should be sparingly exercised in extraordinary circumstances.
Stating that the investigation officer should be given a free hand to unravel the broader conspiracy and that there is a need for custodial interrogation of the petitioners to confront them with gathered evidence, the high court said it found no merit in granting anticipatory bail and dismissed the petitions.
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