Andhra Pradesh High Court to Deliver Judgment on Ex-Minister's Family Bail Petitions on March 18
The Andhra Pradesh High Court announced on Friday that it will deliver its judgment on anticipatory bail petitions filed by the family members of former minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao on March 18. The petitions are related to an alleged liquor transport scam case being investigated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Petitioners Seek Protection from Arrest
Along with Karumuri Nageswara Rao, his son Sunil and daughter-in-law Valluri Keerthi approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail. The SIT has registered a case against them in connection with the liquor transport scam that allegedly caused significant losses to the state exchequer.
Defense Arguments Presented in Court
Senior counsel Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy, representing the petitioners, presented a detailed defense before the court. He argued that during the previous government regime, liquor shops were managed by the government itself.
"One Sigma Supply Chain Solutions Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based company, secured the transportation contract," Reddy explained. "This company then awarded sub-contracts to multiple local companies. The petitioners merely supplied vehicles to one such sub-contractor called Sudarshan Constructions."
The defense counsel emphasized that the SIT had not made either the main contracting agency or the sub-contractors accused in the case. He claimed the petitioners were being targeted for political reasons rather than legitimate legal grounds.
SIT's Counterarguments and Allegations
Senior counsel Siddharth Agarwal, representing the Special Investigation Team, presented compelling counterarguments. He alleged that the tender conditions were specifically prepared to favor Sigma Supply Chain Solutions, which he described as "a front only to obtain sub-contracts."
"Though the contract tenure was originally only for one year, it was extended by two additional years," Agarwal stated. "A vigilance enquiry into this matter indicated that the state exchequer incurred a loss of approximately Rs 200 crore."
The SIT counsel further detailed the petitioners' alleged involvement:
- The petitioners played a crucial role in securing a sub-contract for Sudarshan Constructions
- The agreement was finalized at Sunil's office
- 85% of the profits were transferred to the petitioners' accounts
- The SIT identified Rs 9.4 crore deposited in Keerthi's account
- Substantial evidence suggests money transfers to the petitioners' accounts
Custodial Interrogation Requested
Siddharth Agarwal pleaded with the High Court to dismiss the bail petitions, arguing that the case remains at a nascent stage and requires custodial interrogation of the petitioners for proper investigation. He emphasized the necessity of direct questioning to uncover the complete truth behind the alleged scam.
Judicial Proceedings Conclude
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Venkata Jyothirmayee Pratapa concluded the proceedings and announced that the judgment would be delivered on March 18. The court will determine whether to grant anticipatory bail to the former minister's family members or allow the SIT to proceed with custodial interrogation as part of their investigation.
The case has attracted significant attention due to the political implications and substantial financial losses allegedly incurred by the state government. The March 18 judgment will be crucial in determining the immediate legal future of the accused individuals and the direction of the ongoing investigation into the liquor transport scam.
