The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday concluded hearings and reserved its order on the bail petition filed by former YSRCP legislator Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy. He is an accused in the high-profile alleged liquor policy scam that has rocked the state.
Defense Arguments: No Evidence of Financial Gain
Arguing for the grant of bail, senior counsel R Basanth, representing Bhaskar Reddy, presented a multi-pronged defense before Justice Venkata Jyothirmayee Pratapa. The counsel emphasized that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had already completed its probe concerning his client's alleged involvement and filed a charge-sheet.
Basanth strongly contended that his client had no hand in formulating the contentious liquor policy. He asserted that there was a complete absence of evidence showing Bhaskar Reddy received any money from the purported commissions. Furthermore, no cash was seized from the former MLA's possession.
The defense alleged political motives behind the case, pointing to the statement of the petitioner's former security officer. They claimed this officer was later transferred to a more lucrative posting, implying his testimony was influenced.
SIT's Firm Opposition: Citing Criminal Record and Evidence
Senior counsel Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the SIT, vehemently opposed any relief for the petitioner. He argued that Bhaskar Reddy was named as an accused only after the collection of substantial and proper evidence.
Luthra informed the court that technical evidence clearly places the ex-MLA in meetings with other accused individuals. He played a pivotal role not just in the conspiracy but in the practical execution of the scam.
The SIT counsel accused Bhaskar Reddy of being central to the storage and transportation of massive commissions collected from liquor suppliers. Shockingly, official vehicles were allegedly misused for moving this illicit money, with false entries made in official logbooks to cover the tracks.
Luthra presented staggering figures, alleging the petitioner was responsible for collecting between Rs 60 crore to Rs 70 crore per month from the suppliers. In a significant revelation, he linked Bhaskar Reddy to the seizure of Rs 8 crore from a container during the election period, stating it was transported at his behest. This separate case is now being transferred to the SIT.
Highlighting the petitioner's antecedents, Luthra urged the court to deny bail, noting that Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy has over 70 criminal cases registered against him.
Court's Decision Awaited
After meticulously considering the lengthy arguments from both sides, Justice Venkata Jyothirmayee Pratapa reserved the orders. The court's decision, which will be pronounced at a later date, is keenly awaited as it involves a prominent political figure and a case with substantial financial implications.
The outcome will set a significant precedent for the ongoing investigation into the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam and influence the legal proceedings against other accused involved in the case.
