‘Supreme’ Jolt For Raj Kasireddy: AP Liquor Scam

A1 and the main accused in AP liquor scam case Raj Kasireddy is now in a tight spot. The Supreme Court said on Monday that it cannot interfere in the bail petition filed by Raj Kasireddy.

As the Andhra Pradesh High Court refused to grant him regular jail, Raj Kasireddy approached the Supreme Court. A three-member jury including the CJI, heard the case.

As soon as Kasireddy’s counsel started the argument, the Court made it clear that there was nothing to hear. They said Raj Kasireddy was the prime accused in the case due to which he cannot be given regular bail. They also noted that the AP High Court must have taken the decision after considering all the facts.

Despite that, Raj Kasireddy’s counsel put forth his argument. To this, the Apex Court jury said that it felt Raj Kasireddy played a pivotal role in the scam. They said they will not interfere at this stage in the case.

The jury said if he is granted bail in the case, there would be consequences on the direction the case takes. The Court said that it believed Kasireddy to have had links with shell companies which siphoned Rs 750 crore in the liquor scam.

Raj Kasireddy’s counsel argued that he has been in jail for nine months. The Court countered saying that 9 months was alright for a man who was behind Rs 700 crore money laundering. Raj Kasireddy’s counsel asked for some time to present all information regarding the case. The Supreme Court jury postponed the next hearing to Thursday.

Incidentally, many of the accused in AP liquor scam case including Rajampet MP Mithun Reddy are out on bail. However, Raj Kasireddy’s efforts at securing a bail have failed time and again.