In a significant development, the Andhra Pradesh high court on Friday directed the police not to take any coercive action against YSR Congress party president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy till July 2, in the case related to the death of 70-year-old Cheeli Singaiah by coming under the wheels of his car during his tour to Palnadu on June 18.
Justice Lakshmana Rao bench, which has taken up the hearing on the quash petition filed by Jagan in connection with the Rentapalla tour incident, adjourned the hearing to Tuesday and directed the police not to take any coercive action against him until then.
The petition seeks quashing of the FIR registered over the unfortunate death of party worker Cheeli Singaiah. Along with Jagan, other accused in the case have also filed similar petitions.
The court raised a serious question, asking how cases can be registered against those inside the car when the incident pertains to a road accident.
The high court's interim order provides temporary relief by restraining the police from initiating hasty or vindictive actions until further hearing.
In his quash petition, the YSRCP chief pleaded innocence in the case and alleged that the charges were tailored to implicate him with political vendetta and political malice.
Jagan argued that the vehicle he was traveling in, including its security convoy, weighs around 4,000 kg, and based on the nature of injuries on the victim, it did not appear that Singaiah was crushed under such a heavy vehicle.
“The police version lacked credibility and the state government is using the case to obstruct my political outreach,” he said.
Initially, police attributed the accident to a Tata Safari and detained its owner and driver, recorded their statements, and released them on bail.
“Later, I was implicated in the case out of political vendetta,” he said.
He claimed innocence and argued that his arrest or any hasty police action would irreparably damage his reputation. He asked the court to quash the FIR and issue interim orders staying further proceedings.
