AP: Non-bailable warrant issued against HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao

Visakhapatnam: The Court of Second Metropolitan Magistrate in Anakapalle on Wednesday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao for not appearing before the court.

Ganta was charged for violation of election code during 2009 general elections. He contested for Anakapalle assembly constituency under the newly-formed Praja Rajyam Party (PPP) and won in the election. It was alleged that Srinivasa Rao distributed cricket kits and sarees to youngsters in Anakapalle Assembly segment region to lure voters. Based on complaints from a few people, including the leaders and activists of Congress and TD, the election flying squads conducted a surprise raid and seized the cricket kits and sarees on April 3, 2009.

Anakapalle Town police registered a case against Ganta Srinivasa Rao under Section of 171 (E) of IPC. Though the court has issued several notices to Ganta Srinivasa Rao to appear before the court, he ignored the notice.

On Wednesday, judge J.V.S. Satyanarayana Murthy issued NBW against Ganta and posted the case to September 11. Superintendent of Police (Visakha Rural) Rahul Dev Sharma confirmed the NBW against minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao.