Kuppam police apprehended YSRCP general secretary Pudi Srihari in Bengaluru on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the Andhra Pradesh high court order that set aside the remand rejection order of the Kuppam trial court in a social media abuse case.
This marks the second arrest of Srihari, who previously served as the chief public relations officer of former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, within a fortnight in connection with the same case. He was initially taken into custody near Tadepalli on April 15 for allegedly creating and circulating derogatory social media posts targeting chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
The complaint was filed by Vinod Kumar Murthy, a resident of Kuppam, against objectionable and provocative content circulated on social media platforms linked to the YSRCP. Based on the complaint, Kuppam police registered a case under various sections of the BNS Act and IT Act and arrested Srihari. However, the Kuppam trial court rejected the remand plea, prompting police to approach the high court, which suspended the trial court's order.
After the Supreme Court turned down Srihari's plea on Tuesday and refused to intervene, Kuppam police arrested him from Bengaluru and transported him to Kuppam on Wednesday. Srihari's brother, Pudi Rahul, alleged that the arrest occurred despite the matter being pending before the Andhra Pradesh high court, raising questions about the legality of the police action.
Background of the Case
The case revolves around social media posts allegedly designed and circulated by Srihari, which were deemed derogatory towards Chief Minister Naidu. The posts were linked to YSRCP platforms, leading to legal action under the BNS Act and IT Act. The Kuppam police have been pursuing the case rigorously, with multiple court hearings and appeals.
Legal Developments
The trial court's initial rejection of the remand plea was overturned by the Andhra Pradesh high court. Srihari then approached the Supreme Court, which declined to interfere, paving the way for his arrest. Legal experts note that the case highlights the ongoing political tensions and the use of social media for alleged defamation in Andhra Pradesh.
As the legal process continues, Srihari remains in custody, with the next hearing expected to take place in the high court. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the implications for free speech and political discourse in the state.
