In a temporary relief for controversial filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday stayed his possible arrest by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in cases filed against him.
The CID registered a case against Varma for allegedly inciting caste-based tensions through his film Kamma Rajyam Lo Kadapa Reddlu and for posting morphed photos on social media.
Varma approached the High Court seeking dismissal of the case. After hearing the petition, the court stayed further proceedings for six weeks and adjourned the hearing to April 17.
The case dates back to November 10, when a complaint was lodged at Maddipadu police station against Varma for allegedly morphing photos of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Nara Lokesh, which he then posted on social media.
Despite being served notices twice on November 19 and 25, Varma failed to appear for investigation and went into hiding. He later secured anticipatory bail, with the court instructing him to cooperate with the police inquiry.
Even after multiple notices, he evaded interrogation. Most recently, on February 4, CI Srikanth issued another notice, directing him to appear for questioning.
In response, Varma informed the police that he would attend the inquiry on February 7. As promised, he appeared at the Ongole Rural Police Station, where he was interrogated regarding the case filed against him.