The Supreme Court of India on Friday dismissed the anticipatory bail pleas filed by former Andhra Pradesh MLA and YSRCP leader Pinnelli Rama Krishna Reddy and his brother, Pinnelli Venkatarami Reddy, in connection with the double murder of two Telugu Desam Party (TDP) activists.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was highly critical of the accused, expressing shock and “amazement” over their ability to procure sensitive investigative documents, including statements of witnesses recorded by the Investigating Officer, even before the chargesheet was filed.
Court Slams Interference in Investigation
The key point of contention during the hearing was the filing of confidential investigation material by the petitioners’ counsel. The bench severely criticized this action, stating it amounted to interference in the probe:
- Judicial Observation: “The manner in which you procured this shows conspiracy on the face of it,” the bench observed. Justice Sandeep Mehta further remarked, “Whatever way you have got it, it is totally unacceptable. This is interference in investigation. You go inside. How could you get hold of this?”
- “Amazed” by Reach: The court specifically questioned how the former MLA knew the “intrinsic details of the investigation,” stating, “We are amazed by the reach the accused has.”
- Rejection of Explanation: When the defense counsel claimed the documents were obtained legitimately from the court, the bench dismissed the explanation, stating the court could never give out the case diary. The state’s counsel, Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, also expressed shock over the unauthorized access.
Case Background and Surrender Directive
The former YSRCP MLA and his brother were named as accused (A6 and A7) in the double murder case of TDP activists Javishetti Venkateswarlu and Javishetti Koteswara Rao in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, which occurred in May. The victims were allegedly ambushed, mowed down by a vehicle, and then beaten to death.
The Pinnelli brothers had approached the Supreme Court after the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed their anticipatory bail plea in August, citing the gravity of the offences and the risk of hindering the ongoing investigation. The Supreme Court had previously granted them interim protection from arrest in September.
- Supreme Court Order: The apex court dismissed the pleas and directed the petitioners to surrender within two weeks.
The petitioners’ counsel, while conceding, argued that the case was a fabrication driven by “pure political vendetta” following the change of government in Andhra Pradesh. However, the bench made it clear that custodial interrogation was necessary.