Andhra Pradesh HC partially modifies ACB bail order for Midhun Reddy in liquor scam case

Vijayawada: The high court on Friday partially modified the ACB court order granting bail to YSRCP MP P Midhun Reddy in the alleged liquor scam case. However, the High Court declined to cancel the bail granted to Mithun Reddy.Raising specific objections to the ACB court orders issued while granting bail to Midhun Reddy, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) moved the high court, seeking to set aside the trial court order. The CID contended that a few observations in the ACB court order were hampering the entire investigation of the case.Senior counsels Siddharth Luthra and Siddharth Agarwal argued on behalf of the CID, stating that the investigation with respect to the role of Midhun Reddy was not yet concluded. They said that the SIT was yet to file a charge sheet on his role in the alleged offence, but the trial court mentioned in its bail order that the investigation was completed.The senior counsels also objected to the observations made by the trial court, saying that Google Takeout data and statements recorded under Sections 161 and 164 should not be considered as evidence. They said that the other accused might also seek bail on the same grounds, which would further weaken the investigation, and sought cancellation of the bail granted to Midhun Reddy.Considering the arguments on both sides, Justice Venkata Jyothirmayee Prathapa declined to cancel the bail to Midhun Reddy but set aside certain portions of the order to which the CID raised objections.