Synopsis
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has postponed the hearing on YSRCP leader Vidadala Rajini's anticipatory bail plea concerning an extortion case, with further proceedings scheduled for April 2.Key Takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh High Court adjourns hearing.
- Vidadala Rajini accused in extortion case.
- Case involves Rs 2.2 crore extortion.
- Political vendetta claims made by Rajini.
- Next hearing set for April 2.
Hyderabad, March 27 (NationPress) The Andhra Pradesh High Court has postponed the hearing regarding the anticipatory bail application submitted by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former Minister Vidadala Rajini in connection with an extortion case.
The High Court reviewed her bail request but did not issue an interim order.
The court instructed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to submit a counter and rescheduled the hearing for April 2.
Earlier this week, the ACB charged former state Home Minister Vidadala Rajini in an extortion matter, alongside suspended IPS officer Palle Joshua and two additional individuals. They are accused of extorting Rs 2.2 crore from the proprietors of Sri Lakshmi Balaji Stone Crushers in the Palnadu district during the tenure of the previous YSRCP government.
Rajini has labeled the accusations as unfounded, asserting that the TDP-led coalition is engaging in political revenge. She claimed that TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, who departed from the YSRCP just prior to the 2024 Assembly elections, has concocted the case against her out of personal animosity.
Rajini is identified as the primary suspect, followed by then-Regional Vigilance and Enforcement Officer (RVEO) Palle Joshua, her brother-in-law Vidadala Gopi, and her personal assistant Dodda Ramakrishna. They face charges of power abuse, criminal misconduct, and extortion.
Nallapaneni Chalapathi Rao, the managing partner of the stone-crushing firm, claimed that Rajini conspired with the other accused to extort a bribe of Rs 2 crore for herself, while Joshua and Gopi were allegedly involved in extracting an additional Rs 10 lakh each.
Chalapathi Rao contended that Rajini and Joshua initially requested Rs 5 crore to permit his company’s operations to proceed.
Following the complaint, the Vigilance and Enforcement Department conducted an investigation and reportedly submitted a report to the state government on December 3, 2024.
Based on this report, the ACB filed a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 7 (public servant being bribed) and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, in addition to sections 384 (extortion) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC.
