The Special Court for Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) cases in Vijayawada, which had been taking a tough stance against YSR Congress Party leaders arrested in the alleged liquor scam during the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy regime, has now shifted its tone and raised objections to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The ACB court expressed serious concerns over the two charge sheets filed by the SIT. It questioned the applicability of the Prevention of Corruption Act to the case and directed the investigating officer to provide a response within three days.
ACB Court Judge Justice P Bhaskar Rao issued a memo to the investigating officer, directing explanations within three days for 21 objections raised against the two charge sheets.
The court asked whether copies of the charge sheets had been supplied to all the accused and sought clarification on how the Prevention of Corruption Act was relevant to the matter.
It also questioned how many witnesses had been examined so far and how many statements had been recorded under Section 161 of the CrPC.
Additionally, the court noted that the charge sheets failed to specify whether they were preliminary or final reports. It asked how they could be considered valid without forensic reports being filed.
The memo also questioned why the SIT had not yet arrested the remaining accused, said to be between seven and fifteen individuals. The judge directed the SIT to ensure the prayer portion of the charge sheet was properly submitted.
Meanwhile, the SIT has decided to provide the accused with digital copies of the two charge sheets in the form of a pen drive.
At the same time, the court postponed the hearing of two bail petitions filed by Chevireddy, who remains in judicial remand in connection with the case.
