SC Dismisses AP MP Midhun Reddy’s Petition for Anticipatory Bail
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the petition for anticipatory bail filed by Andhra Pradesh (AP) MP PV Midhun Reddy, who is facing allegations of corruption in the infamous Andhra liquor scam. The development comes as a significant blow to Reddy, who has been accused of favouring liquor barons and accepting kickbacks in exchange for lucrative contracts.
The case dates back to 2019, when the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) came to power in Andhra Pradesh. Since then, allegations of corruption and cronyism have been levelled against several high-ranking officials, including Reddy, who is a Member of Parliament from the YSRCP.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the liquor scam has issued a lookout notice for Reddy, who has been accused of using his influence to favour certain liquor companies and accepting kickbacks in exchange for lucrative contracts. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and SIT are investigating the case under sections 420, 409, and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Reddy had filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking anticipatory bail, arguing that he was not involved in any wrongdoing and that the allegations against him were politically motivated. However, the Supreme Court rejected his plea, ruling that there were sufficient grounds to believe that Reddy had committed the alleged offenses.
The SC’s decision is seen as a significant setback for Reddy, who had been trying to avoid arrest and investigation for several months. The ruling has also sent a strong message to other politicians and officials who may be involved in corrupt activities.
The Andhra liquor scam is one of the most high-profile cases of corruption in recent times, involving alleged irregularities in the procurement of liquor and other goods by the Andhra Pradesh government. The scam is estimated to be worth over ₹3,200 crore, making it one of the largest corruption cases in the country.
The case involves several prominent business personalities, including Raj Kasireddy, who is accused of being a key player in the scam. Kasireddy, a close associate of Reddy, has been accused of using his influence to get lucrative contracts from the state government.
The investigation into the liquor scam is ongoing, and several officials have already been arrested and charged. The ED and SIT have seized several properties and assets worth crores of rupees, which are believed to be linked to the scam.
The case has also sparked a debate on the need for greater transparency and accountability in government contracts. Many have argued that the scandal highlights the need for stricter regulations and laws to prevent corruption and ensure that government contracts are awarded fairly and transparently.
In a statement, the SIT said that it would continue to investigate the case and would take all necessary steps to bring the accused to justice. The ED also issued a statement, saying that it would work closely with the SIT to ensure that the case is investigated thoroughly and that those responsible for the scam are held accountable.
The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss Reddy’s petition for anticipatory bail is seen as a significant step forward in the investigation. It sends a strong message to other politicians and officials who may be involved in corrupt activities that they will be held accountable for their actions.
As the investigation into the Andhra liquor scam continues, it is likely that more arrests and charges will be made. The case is a stark reminder of the need for greater transparency and accountability in government contracts, and it serves as a warning to politicians and officials who may be tempted to engage in corrupt activities.
