4 days ago
Andhra Pradesh high court dismisses anticipatory bail plea of Midhun Reddy in liquor scam case
Vijayawada: The high court on Tuesday dismissed the anticipatory bail petition filed by Rajampet YSRCP MP, P Midhun Reddy, in the alleged liquor scam case. The court observed that the investigating officer deserves a free hand to take the investigation to its logical conclusion in a case containing severe allegations, and the grant of anticipatory bail could hinder the ongoing investigation.
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The HC further noted that the evidence produced by the prosecution prima facie reveals the role of Midhun Reddy in the alleged offence, and custodial interrogation is deemed essential to confront him with the gathered evidence and to unravel a broader conspiracy. The court also said that the power of granting anticipatory bail under section 438 of CrPC needs to be exercised sparingly in extraordinary circumstances.
Considering the gravity of the offence, particularly taking note of the accusation that Rs 3,500 crore was said to be collected towards kickbacks for the liquor syndicate, no such extraordinary circumstances were seen in the present case for granting the relief of anticipatory bail, said the high court while dismissing the petition.
Midhun Reddy, named A-4 in the alleged liquor scam, has been accused of conspiring to change the order placing system.
The prosecution alleged that he influenced officials in bringing changes to the excise policy and was the mastermind behind placing orders to favoured companies. He is also accused of receiving kickbacks from the companies which were favoured by way of getting additional orders for liquor.
The prosecution presented witness statements indicating the role of the MP and the money trail between some of the companies involved in the scam and the company owned by Midhun Reddy's family members.
The MP said that he was implicated in the case because of political vendetta. He argued that he was not part of the state govt and had no role in policy decisions.
