The Andhra Pradesh high court on Thursday granted bail to senior YSR Congress party (YSRCP) leader and former MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy in the high-profile liquor scam case that has created widespread political and public attention across Andhra Pradesh.
Chevireddy, who had been lodged in jail for several months in connection with the alleged liquor syndicate case being probed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), was arrested on June 17 in Bengaluru by SIT officials.
After spending 226 days in custody, he has now received relief from the high court.
The SIT has accused Chevireddy of playing a crucial role in the alleged liquor scam, along with Raj Kesireddy, who has been named as Accused No.1 (A-1) in the case.
Investigators claim Chevireddy was actively involved in the illegal liquor operations and financial irregularities linked to the scandal.
Along with Chevireddy, the high court also granted bail to Sajjala Sridhar Reddy and Venkatesh Naidu, who were also in remand custody at Vijayawada jail.
However, the high court dismissed the bail petition of Raj Kasireddy, keeping him in judicial custody.
The Supreme Court recently declined to grant regular bail to Balaji Govindappa, Krishnamohan Reddy and Dhanunjay Reddy.
The apex court, however, provided temporary protection from arrest and advised them to approach the trial court for relief.
So far, nine accused have obtained bail in the liquor scam case, while four others, including Raj Kesireddy, remain in judicial custody.
The SIT has also filed allegations against several YSRCP leaders, including MP Mithun Reddy, indicating the probe may expand further.
With the latest bail orders, political circles are closely watching the future course of the investigation and the legal proceedings.