MLC elections: Anti Corruption Bureau nabs Telugu Desam MLA Revanth Reddy for bribery
Hyderabad: Telugu Desam MLA Revanth Reddy was caught red-handed on Sunday afternoon in Hyderabad by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) while he was attempting to bribe a nominated Anglo-Indian MLA Elvis Stephenson in Telangana State MLC (Member of Legislative Council) elections on Monday.
The ACB officials confirming the trap of TD MLA Revanth Reddy said he was booked for offering bribe under Prevention of Corruption Act. ACB Deputy Superintendent of Police Mr Ashok Kumar told Deccan Chronicle, “He was booked for offering bribe under PC act. We counted the cash – it is Rs 50 lakhs. The cash has been seized. The offer made was Rs 5 crore. We are further investigating this case,” he said.
Revanth Reddy speaks to the media while being taken to the magistrate (Photo: DC)
Meanwhile, accused MLA Revanth Reddy spoke to reporters while being taken to the magistrate. Reddy claimed ignorance and said, “Why do I need to do it? Am I contesting the elections? Even the government frames 100 illegal cases against me. But I will not be cowed down. I still have courage to fight against Telangana CM Chandrasekhar Rao.”
When asked that he had offered to pay Rs 50 lakh bribe, he said, “They can say anything.” Revanth was in his casuals and was seen talking on phone while being taken out of the residence of Elvis Stephenson's friend. He is likely to be shifted to magistrate's residence as it is Sunday and later to ACB headquarters at Banjara Hills.
Watch: Telugu Desam MLA Revanth Reddy caught in cash for vote scam
MLC elections are to be held on Monday where in MLAs vote to elect MLCs by preferential vote. According to Telangana ACB, two other persons were also caught. The TD MLA took it as prestige as his candidate Vem Narendar Reddy was given ticket by TD and onus was put on him to ensure that he wins. But with mass defection of TD MLAs to the ruling TRS, it has become difficult to win the elections.
A senior police official said ,"Revanth Reddy had contacted Anglo India MLA Stephenson three days ago. He had been trying to lure the nominated MLA. On Friday the nominated MLA complained to ACB alleging that the MLA is trying to lure him with money. ACB laid a trap based on the written complaint of the nominated MLA." On Sunday afternoon Revanth along with his two other aides went to the house of the friend of Stephenson in an apartment Pushpa Nilayama in Vijayapuri Colongy in Lalaguda of Secunderabad to hand over the cash.
ACB sleuths who were waiting in disguise caught the MLA Revanth Reddy and his aides immiedateily after they opened the cash box in the house. The police also made audio and video evidence of the whole episode aiding the case. "A case has been registered against MLA Revanth Reddy under Prevention of Corruption Act, The Represetnation of the Peoples Act and he is in custody," ACB is likely to formalise the arrest of MLA and his aides. The trap came as big shocker to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu's TD.
