The ongoing investigation into the alleged liquor scam during the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government took another significant turn on Friday, as the Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Jagan’s former secretary, K Dhanunjay Reddy.
Along with Dhanunjay Reddy, Jagan’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) P Krishnamohan Reddy and another accused, Balaji Govindappa, had approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
They argued that since their names were mentioned in the remand report of arrested accused Raj Kasireddy, they feared imminent arrest by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
However, during the hearing, the prosecution sought additional time to present detailed case documents.
Considering this request, the High Court declined to grant interim protection from arrest at this stage. The next hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 7.
The petitioners contended that individuals already arrested in the case had named them during interrogation, increasing their risk of arrest. Based on this, they sought anticipatory bail as a precautionary measure.
The government counsel informed the court that further instructions from the government were awaited. Taking this into account, the bench stated that anticipatory bail could not be granted at this juncture.
As already reported, Raj Kasireddy and his personal assistant have been arrested in connection with the scam. Fearing they might be the next to face action, the three petitioners filed their pleas in an attempt to avoid arrest.
Despite their efforts, the High Court made it clear that no preemptive relief would be provided. Meanwhile, SIT officials have gathered significant information from multiple sources, and further interrogations are ongoing.
With more notices likely to be issued soon, the three petitioners may face further legal challenges as the investigation deepens.
