Is Ex-Andhra Minister Jogi Ramesh Facing Judicial Custody in Spurious Liquor Case?
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Synopsis
Former Andhra Minister Jogi Ramesh and his brother have been sent to judicial custody in a case involving spurious liquor. This case has sparked political controversy, with allegations of coercion and political framing. Explore the unfolding drama and implications for the YSR Congress Party and Andhra politics.
Key Takeaways
- Jogi Ramesh and his brother are in custody until November 13.
- Their arrest is linked to allegations of producing spurious liquor.
- The SIT is leading the investigation into this high-profile case.
- Ramesh has called for a CBI probe, citing bias in the state investigation.
- The situation raises questions about political influence in law enforcement.
Vijayawada, Nov 3 (NationPress) The former Minister and YSR Congress Party leader, Jogi Ramesh, along with his brother Jogi Ramu, has been remanded to judicial custody until November 13 by a local court on Monday regarding the ongoing spurious liquor investigation.
The Jogi brothers were apprehended on Sunday and subsequently presented before a magistrate at his residence during the early morning hours of Monday.
After reviewing the details of the police remand report, the magistrate issued the custody order at 5 a.m., resulting in their transfer to judicial custody.
They were later moved to Vijayawada Jail.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating the spurious liquor case, took Jogi Ramesh into custody from his home in Ibrahimpatnam, located in the NTR district, early Sunday morning. His brother was also detained during this operation.
Following their arrest, the SIT interrogated the Jogi brothers for approximately 12 hours at the excise department office in Vijayawada. Around midnight, they underwent a medical examination at a government hospital before being brought before the magistrate.
The questioning of Jogi Ramesh by the SIT was prompted by claims made by Addepalli Janardhana Rao, the main suspect in the case, who stated that the production of spurious liquor had been conducted under Ramesh's instructions.
A video that gained significant attention last month featured Janardhana Rao, who claimed he halted the production of spurious liquor after the TDP-led NDA assumed power. However, he alleged that Jogi Ramesh contacted him via phone in April, requesting the resumption of spurious liquor manufacturing.
Janardhana Rao further asserted that Jogi Ramesh promised him Rs. three crore to establish a distillery in Africa.
According to reports, Janardhana Rao informed authorities that in 2023, during Jogi Ramesh's tenure as minister, he resumed the production of spurious liquor in Ibrahimpatnam. He mentioned that prior to his departure for Africa, he visited Ramesh's residence on September 23.
The arrest of Jogi Ramesh occurred just one day after he submitted a petition to the Andhra Pradesh High Court requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the high-profile spurious liquor scandal.
He accused the current coalition government of intentionally framing him for political motives, asserting that the state police's ongoing investigation is biased and influenced by political agendas.
The former minister maintained that only a central agency like the CBI could conduct a fair investigation. He petitioned the High Court to order the transfer of investigations related to the two FIRs filed at Mulakalacheruvu and Bhavanipuram police stations to the CBI.
Ramesh also called for the CBI to probe his complaint filed on October 15, which was made following the release of a recorded statement by Janardhana Rao while in police custody, alleging that the video seemed to have been recorded under coercion.
The YSR Congress Party has denounced the arrest of Jogi Ramesh as unlawful. Its president and former Chief Minister, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of orchestrating the arrest to distract public attention from his own involvement in the spurious liquor issue.
Point of View
It's vital to maintain an unbiased stance while reporting on politically charged incidents such as the arrest of Jogi Ramesh. This case highlights the intersection of politics and law enforcement, where accusations of political framing can muddy public perception. The investigation's outcome will be critical not only for the individuals involved but for the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh.
NationPress
03/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges has Jogi Ramesh faced?
Jogi Ramesh has been charged in connection with a spurious liquor case, leading to his arrest along with his brother.
Who is the main accuser in this case?
The main accuser is Addepalli Janardhana Rao, who claims that Jogi Ramesh directed the production of spurious liquor.
What actions has Jogi Ramesh taken regarding his arrest?
Jogi Ramesh has filed a petition in the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking a CBI investigation into the case.
How has the YSR Congress Party reacted?
The YSR Congress Party has condemned the arrest as illegal and politically motivated.
What are the implications of this case for Andhra Pradesh politics?
This case could have significant political ramifications, impacting public perception and the relationships within the ruling coalition.
