Hyderabad, Nov 20 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, appeared on Thursday at the Special CBI court in Hyderabad concerning the disproportionate assets case.

He arrived at the Nampally Criminal Court complex under stringent security measures.

A significant number of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) supporters gathered near the court to express their backing for their leader.

The court acknowledged Jagan Mohan Reddy's presence and concluded the hearing on his petition. After a brief stay at the court, he returned to his residence at Lotus Pond.

Before departing in his vehicle, he greeted supporters with folded hands.

Previously, he landed at Begumpet Airport via a special flight from Gannavaram Airport in Vijayawada. Hundreds of enthusiasts welcomed him warmly, holding placards and chanting slogans in favor of the YSRCP chief.

Following some time at his Lotus Pond residence, he proceeded to the court.

Authorities enforced traffic restrictions in the vicinity of the court situated in the city's center.

This marked Jagan's first in-person court appearance in nearly six years, with his last visit occurring on January 10, 2020, while he was serving as Chief Minister.

Despite losing his position last year, Jagan had been requesting exemptions from personal appearances, citing his responsibilities as Chief Minister. The court had granted permission for his travel to Europe last month but mandated his return to appear personally afterward.

He was instructed to show up by November 14 to provide travel details and confirm compliance with his bail conditions.

When he requested exemption from appearing, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) opposed it and insisted on his personal appearance.

The court subsequently ordered him to be present by November 21. He opted to appear one day earlier than the deadline.

Since September 2013, Jagan Mohan Reddy has been on bail in this protracted case, which arises from allegations of quid pro quo during his late father, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's, tenure as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 2004 to 2009.

The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) claim that numerous companies and individuals invested significantly in Jagan Mohan Reddy's enterprises, such as Jagathi Publications and Bharathi Cements, in exchange for beneficial treatment like land allocations and mining licenses from the government.

In the eleven charge sheets submitted by the CBI, Jagan Mohan Reddy is identified as the primary accused.