In a major setback to the accused in the liquor scam that allegedly took place during the previous YSR Congress party government in Andhra Pradesh, the Vijayawada ACB Court on Monday dismissed their bail petitions.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is probing the case, has already filed two charge sheets.
Among those seeking bail were YSRCP MP Mithun Reddy, former officials from Jagan Mohan Reddy’s office — K Dhanunjay Reddy and P Krishna Mohan Reddy, besides Balaji Govindappa, Director of Bharathi Cements.
However, the SIT strongly opposed the pleas, arguing that granting bail at this crucial stage could hamper the investigation. Accepting the prosecution’s contention, the ACB Court rejected the petitions.
The court also dismissed anticipatory bail petitions filed by other accused, including Vasudeva Reddy and Satyaprasad, clearing the way for their imminent arrest by SIT officials.
So far, SIT has taken several accused into custody for questioning and filed two charge sheets based on their statements.
However, contrary to opposition leaders’ earlier claims, YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has not been named as an accused in the case.
While this has undermined speculation of Jagan’s possible arrest, other accused continue to face mounting legal troubles.
