HYDERABAD: Telangana TDP MLA A Revanth Reddy, who has been behind bars since May 31 after the cash-for-vote scam surfaced, was granted conditional bail by the Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday. Due to procedural delays, he is likely to be released Wednesday.
Besides Revanth, the court also granted bail to the other accused, Harry Sebastian and R Uday Simha. Even as celebrations erupted at Revanth’s residence, the Anti-Corruption Bureau made it clear it would approach the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of their bails.
While allowing the bail petitions, Justice Raja Elango observed that pending receipt of the forensic science laboratory’s report and the alleged absconding of one of the accused in the case, Jerusalem Mathaiah, were no grounds for rejection of bail. In fact, he pointed out that Mathaiah cannot be said to be absconding as he had moved the high court seeking dismissal of the case against him.
The court opined that since examination of audio and video evidence was the job of forensic experts, none could influence such a scientific investigation. Further, it pointed out that the offences allegedly committed by the petitioners were punishable by up to a maximum of 5 years and minimum of 6 months imprisonment. “They have already spent more than 30 days in judicial remand. There is nothing more to be said by the accused in this case and if the bail is granted now, no prejudice would cause to further investigation,” the judge said.
Earlier, Telangana advocate general K Ramkrishna Reddy strongly opposed grant of bail, arguing that Revanth was a very influential person and if enlarged on bail, there was every possibility of he influencing witnesses and hampering the probe.
While considering his argument, the judge directed that Revanth be confined to his constituency of Kodangal in Mahbubnagar district. Revanth will not stay in Hyderabad during his bail period and should appear before the ACB whenever his presence was required, he ruled.
The judge further directed the trio to furnish bond sureties of Rs 5 lakh each and surrender their passports before the trial court.