Cash for vote scam: Telugu Desam MLA Revanth Reddy took name of his ‘boss’ frequently

Hyderabad: The video released by the ACB reveals how TD MLA Revanth Reddy was caught on camera offering a bribe to MLA Elvis Stephenson. Interestingly, Mr Reddy mentioned AP Chief Minister Mr Chandrababu Naidu several times during his conversations with Mr Stephenson. The Anti Corruption Bureau of Telangana and the complainant Mr Stephenson used multiple spy cameras to record the two episodes of Mr Revanth Reddy visiting Mr Stephenson’s friend, Mr Malcolm Taylor.

Read: MLC elections: Anti Corruption Bureau nabs Telugu Desam MLA Revanth Reddy for bribery

On Sunday, ACB released the two videos including the episode of giving the bribe, in which Mr Reddy handing over Rs 50 lakh in cash to Mr Stephenson is clearly visible.

Sunday’s video:

Stephenson: Tell what you are giving now.

Revanth Reddy: Will give four and a half tomorrow. My person will come and give you.

Stephenson: Four and half what?

Read: Revanth Reddy says he is innocent

Revanth: Four and half crores, total five crore... Not in your house, some other place... Lock the door.

Stephenson: No problem, nobody is coming.

Revanth Reddy: Lock the door. Don’t take any chances. I have to go, there is no time.

Revanth Reddy: My side everything is clear. There is no ambiguity and any such confusion. Up to the mark I am doing. This is my personal responsibility with my boss and I am staking my head with my boss. You are taking your this thing. In the night, Sebastian will give the code. So that tomorrow you can take the money.

Stephenson: What code?

Read: Who is Revanth Reddy?

Earlier video:

Revanth Reddy: I need your support.

Stephenson: Will my party come to know?

Revanth Reddy: There is no mechanism to pinpoint that you voted in favour of someone. They can only assume. Out of 70 one person would have done so. Out of 70 you are just one person.

Revanth Reddy: This is totally confidential. Beyond the topic, I will talk to my boss.

Revanth Reddy: My boss sent me to meet you.

Revanth Reddy: If there is any problem here, we can accommodate you in AP. Otherwise at the Centre also we can accommodate you.

Read: Telugu Desam to support Revanth Reddy

Revanth Reddy: Whatever you want, we will take you to Babu. Whatever you want you can talk.

Revanth Reddy: Whatever you need, I will out and out support you. I have come so far because we have internal clarity. Party boss has authorised me to speak to you. Within my upper limit I have the authorisation. Beyond that I will have to talk to my boss and get back to you. Shortly, I will be party president.

Revanth Reddy: We can give you advance now and remaining goods can be deposited after voting.

Revanth Reddy: Jaipal Reddy is my uncle and even Jana Reddy is related to me. Even Reddys from Rayalaseema districts have no play in Krishna and Guntur districts. They all have business and interests in Telangana and Hyderabad only. They don’t have power either here or there. So they are all comfortable with me and they look up to me.

Watch: Telugu Desam MLA Revanth Reddy caught in cash for vote scam

Bank tag removed from notes

ACB DSP Ashok Kumar, who is investigating the case, said, “The arrested MLA was taken to Gandhi Hospital for check-up and we shifted him to the ACB headquarters at Banjara Hills. We will produce him in ACB court on Monday and seek remand.” ACB officials said the cash was bought in bundles of '500 notes in a bag. “The notes do not have any bank tag. They were removed to prevent ascertaining the origin of the notes,” said the official.

On Sunday, Mr Revanth Reddy came in his car with an MLA sticker. ACB officials, who were waiting in disguise, apprehended the MLA.

Read: Vijaypuri Colony abuzz with activity

Sources say that it was a prestige issue for the TD MLA to ensure that his party candidate Vem Narendar Reddy won. But with mass defection of TD MLAs to the ruling TRS, it has become difficult.

ACB said it would add relevant sections of The Representation of the People Act, 1950 to the case later.

Bishop mediated MLA deal

The ACB said Bishop Dr R. Harry Sebastian, a member of the TD Christian cell, mediated the Revanth Reddy deal. He has been arrested. He is from the All International Independent Christian diocese. He accompanied the TD MLA both times. He had campaigned for the TD during the last general elections.