Vijayawada High Court Delivers Split Verdict in Liquor Scam Bail Petitions
In a significant development in the ongoing liquor scam investigation, the Vijayawada High Court on Thursday delivered a split verdict on bail applications, granting relief to three accused while rejecting petitions from two others. The court's detailed order highlighted contrasting circumstances that led to the divergent outcomes in this high-profile case.
Bail Granted to Three Accused After Prolonged Incarceration
The High Court granted bail to Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Sajjala Sridhar Reddy, and Venkatesh Naidu, noting that they have been in judicial custody for an extended period. Justice Venkata Jythirmayee Prathapa observed that the investigation concerning their alleged roles in the liquor scam has substantially concluded, making further detention unnecessary at this stage.
The court imposed stringent conditions on their release, requiring each to submit two sureties of Rs 1 lakh and surrender their passports to the trial court. Additionally, they must notify the investigating officer before leaving the state and submit a comprehensive affidavit detailing their movable and immovable assets, bank accounts, DMAT accounts, and business interests within two weeks of their release.
Bail Rejected for Two Accused Citing Strong Evidence and Flight Risk
In contrast, the court rejected the bail application of Raj Kasireddy and the anticipatory bail plea of Muppidi Avinash Reddy. Justice Prathapa noted that prima facie evidence suggests Raj Kasireddy's involvement in diverting approximately Rs 135 crore through hawala channels.
The court's rejection was based on multiple factors:
- Analysis of WhatsApp chat histories indicating his participation in alleged illegal transactions
- Call data records linking him to key activities in the scam
- Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports supporting the prosecution's case
- Previous attempts to flee the country, establishing a flight risk
- Potential to assist Muppidi Avinash Reddy, who remains absconding
Legal Implications and Investigation Status
The court's decision reflects a careful balancing of individual rights against the requirements of ongoing investigation. While granting bail to three accused who have already faced prolonged detention, the court maintained strict custody for those deemed to present greater risks to the judicial process.
This development comes as the investigation into the liquor scam continues to unfold, with authorities examining financial transactions and alleged irregularities in liquor distribution networks across Andhra Pradesh. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the substantial amounts involved and the political connections of some accused individuals.
The High Court's detailed order emphasizes the importance of documentary evidence in such financial crime cases, particularly electronic records that can establish patterns of communication and transaction flows. The contrasting outcomes for different accused highlight how courts evaluate individual circumstances even within the same broader case.
