A local court on Thursday acquitted Maoist leader Sagar alias Panduranga Reddy and another accused Gangi Reddy in the bomb attack on TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu at Alipiri here in 2003, stating that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges.
However, it upheld the verdict of the District Sessions Court, Tirupati against the remaining two accused -- Ramaswamy Reddy and Nagarjuna.
The sessions court on Oct 29, 2010, sentenced the four to undergo seven years’ imprisonment and pay a fine of Rs 5,000 each.
The attack on Chandrababu Naidu’s convoy took place on Oct 1, 2003 near Alipiri toll gate. On appeal, the First Additional First Class Magistrate of the Fourth District Court, Tirupati, Eswaraiah, after several hearings in the last two years, acquitted two of the accused.
Soon after the verdict, Sagar said, “I am a little bit satisfied with the judgment. But I cannot say that Indian judiciary is transparent.” He is said to be unhappy with the conviction of the other two accused.
Meanwhile, some close associates of the two accused found guilty said they would challenge the orders in the High Court on Friday. Advocate Krishna Chaitanya argued on behalf of Sagar.
How attack took place
On Oct 1, 2003, TDP president and then CM N Chandrababu Naidu and other TDP leaders were headed for Tirumala. As Naidu’s convoy was crossing the Alipiri toll gate, the landmines, allegedly planted by Maoists, exploded hitting Naidu’s car. However, all escaped with injuries.