Supreme Court Delivers Major Setback to Former YSRCP MLA
The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant verdict on Friday, dismissing the anticipatory bail petitions filed by former YSRCP MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy and his brother Venkatrami Reddy. The brothers stand accused in the brutal murder of two Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers that occurred in May this year.
The apex court bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta not only rejected their bail applications but also cancelled the interim protection from arrest that had been granted to them earlier. The court strongly emphasized that custodial interrogation was absolutely necessary in this serious criminal matter.
Details of the Heinous Crime
The case dates back to May 24, when two TDP workers - Javishetti Venkateswarlu and Koteswara Rao - were brutally hacked to death in a shocking incident. The murder occurred after the motorcycle they were traveling on was allegedly hit by an SUV, following which they were attacked with deadly weapons.
Palnadu district police conducted a thorough investigation and registered a murder case against the Pinnelli brothers after obtaining prima facie evidence connecting them to the crime. The investigation revealed a well-planned attack that resulted in the tragic deaths of the two political workers.
Court Proceedings and Shocking Revelations
During Friday's hearing, the prosecution presented compelling evidence that significantly influenced the court's decision. The police counsel informed the bench that the Pinnelli brothers had threatened witnesses who had provided statements under Section 161 of the CrPC.
To substantiate this serious allegation, the prosecution submitted concrete evidence including call recording details that demonstrated the accused's attempts to intimidate witnesses. This revelation played a crucial role in the court's assessment of the case.
In a surprising development, the Supreme Court bench also expressed strong disapproval of the police investigation. The judges questioned how the accused managed to access the case diary containing the sensitive 161 statements of witnesses. The court noted that this serious breach indicated possible cooperation between the police and the accused, raising concerns about the integrity of the investigation process.
After carefully reviewing all the evidence and arguments presented, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Pinnelli brothers, stating unequivocally that they were not eligible for anticipatory bail given the gravity of the offense and the evidence against them.
However, showing some consideration, the court granted the brothers two weeks to surrender before the appropriate authorities, as requested by their senior counsel. This decision marks a significant development in a case that has drawn considerable political attention in Andhra Pradesh.
