Telangana High Court Protects BRS Leader Kaushik Reddy From Arrest For Allegedly Demanding Bribe In Connection With Illegal Mining

The Telangana High Court has directed the State not to take coercive action against BRS Party MLA Kaushik Reddy, on allegations of demanding a bribe of ₹50 lakhs from the husband of the de facto complainant for running an illegal mining quarry.The order was passed by Justice K. Lakshman, who noted that the police had registered an FIR without conducting a preliminary investigation and without obtaining any phone data. “It is relevant to note that the Investigating Officer did not obtain any call data to ascertain the fact that petitioner called the husband of 2nd respondent twice on 18.04.2025, so far. Admittedly, the investigation is pending.” the Bench noted. In the complaint, the de facto complainant alleged that Reddy had called her husband in 2023 and demanded a sum of 25 lakhs, which her husband paid. Further, again on 18th April, Reddy called, demanding a sum of 50 lakhs. The husband of the de facto complainant not wanting to fall prey to the demands of the MLA, yet again, made his wife lodge a complaint on his behalf, owing to ill health. Reddy approached the Court praying to quash the FIR on the ground that it was not true. He contended that about 25 days prior to the alleged incident, a group of villagers in his constituency approached him, complaining about illegal mining being conducted in the Constituency by the husband of the de-facto complainant. According to Redy, to stop the same, he called the husband of the de facto complainant to warn him against any illegal activities. That, the FIR was filed as a counterblast to the warning, he said. After hearing both sides, the Bench came down upon Reddy for trying to take matters into his own hands. It noted that Reddy is in a place of power and influence and should have assisted the villagers in lodging a complaint before the concerned authority, and should not have taken matters into his own hands. “It is to be noted that on receipt of the complaint from the villagers about the illegal mining operations being conducted by the husband of 2"d respondent, the petitioner being the Member of Legislative Assembly from Huzurabad Constituency, ought to have advised them to submit a representation to the authorities of Mining Department. Instead of doing so, the petitioner has telephoned to the husband of 2nd respondent.”However, going through the witness statements, the Bench noted that the driver of the complainant deposed that a demand of 25 lakhs was made by the MLA and paid by the complainant in 2023. Yet again, a demand for 50 lakhs was made. “In his statement, Mr. Pokeda Giri Babu, the driver of 2"d respondent has stated that petitioner came to the husband of 2nd respondent on 25.10.2023 at 5:00 p.m. and threatened him to pay an amount of Rs.25,00,000/-. Thereupon, the husband of 2nd respondent paid the said amount of Rs.25,00r000/- to petitioner. He has further stated that on 18.04.2025 at about 1:00 p.ffi., petitioner called the husbancl of 2nd respondent and demanded an amount of Rs.50,00,000/-.”Thus, it was concluded that a thorough investigation needs to be conducted into the matter. “Therefore, till 28.04.2025, the Investigating Officer is directed not to arrest the petitioner in respect of Crime No.25ll af 2A25 of P.S. It Subedari. Further investigation may go on. However, petitioner shall cooperate with the investigation,” Court ordered.Padi Kaushik Reddy Vs. State of TelanganaCounsel for petitioner: T. V. Ramana RaoCounsel for respondents: Public ProsecutorClick Here To Read/Download Order

Telangana High Court Protects BRS Leader Kaushik Reddy From Arrest For Allegedly Demanding Bribe In Connection With Illegal Mining

Fareedunnisa Huma

Tags