Cash-for-vote scam: ACB court finds Revanth Reddy case valid

Hyderabad: The ACB special court in its order to dismiss the bail application of cash-for-vote scam accused MLA A. Revanth Reddy observed that the offence was serious and hits democratic election process.

The ACB court also observed that MLAs are public servants and are liable to be prosecuted under PC Act. So far, the defence and TD lawyers were arguing that it is an electoral offence and doesn’t fall under the Prevention of Corruption Act. ACB court also said the prosecution is not only depending on video recording, but also the evidence by de facto complainant Mr Elvis Stephenson and mediators. The court brushed aside allegations that there is no prima facie evidence.

Read: Cash-for-vote scam: ACB awaits FSL report for action

The defence argued in the bail application that video and audio recording evidence was only a corroborative piece of evidence and not substantial. ACB prosecution argued that there are cases pending against Mr Revanth Reddy. The court observed, “Since the defector complainant is an MLA, he is a public servant defined under Prevention of Corruption Act. So it cannot be said that there is no prima facie case against the accused. MLAs and MPs are public servants and liable for prosecution under PC act.” The order was issued on June 10 dismissing regular bail of accused Revanth Reddy.