Ambati Rambabu remanded to 14 days judicial custody in Sankranti lucky draw case

Guntur: YSRCP leader and former minister Ambati Rambabu was, on Thursday, remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by a Guntur court in connection with the alleged Sankranti lucky draw case. The Guntur principal court passed the remand orders after he was produced before it on a prisoner transit (PT) warrant.Chief senior civil judge earlier issued a PT warrant directing authorities to produce Rambabu before the court by the 18th of this month. Acting on the orders, police brought him from Rajamahendravaram Central Jail and presented him in the Guntur court. After hearing the case details and examining the records, the Judge ordered a 14-day judicial remand. Following the court's direction, Rambabu was shifted back to Rajamahendravaram Central Jail.The case pertains to Sankranti celebrations organised in January 2023 in Sattenapalli constituency when Rambabu was serving as a minister during the YSRCP regime. It is alleged that Rs 200 was deducted from the monthly pensions of beneficiaries through volunteers, and 2 lottery tickets were issued to each pensioner in the name of a festive lucky draw. Prizes were later distributed through a lottery on Sankranti day.Guntur district Jana Sena president Gade Venkateswara Rao filed a complaint before the Guntur chief senior civil court, alleging illegal collection of money from pensioners. Based on the complaint, the Sattenapalli town police registered a case against Rambabu and others. Further investigation is underway.