AP high court tells ex-intel chief Anjaneyulu to cooperate, bars coercive action

Vijayawada: The AP high court on Friday directed the former intelligence chief P S R Anjaneyulu to cooperate with the investigation by appearing before the investigating officer whenever required, in the alleged custodial torture case of K Raghu Ramakrishna Raju. The high court observed that the police may need to question him along with another accused officer, Sunil Naik. However, the high court granted interim relief to Anjaneyulu, who is on medical bail in another case, by directing the police not to take any coercive steps during the questioning.Anjaneyulu moved the high court seeking anticipatory bail in the case registered by Nagarampalem police in Guntur following a complaint by the then MP and present deputy speaker Raghu Ramakrishna Raju alleging the involvement of Anjaneyulu, along with other senior officers in the CID, in his custodial torture.Arguing on behalf of the police, senior counsel Posani Venkateswarlu told the high court that another accused officer, Sunil Naik, was granted exemption from appearing before the investigating officer until March 22. He said that the police need to question the petitioner and Sunil Naik together. He sought time to submit his arguments.Arguing on behalf of Anjaneyulu, Abhay Siddhanth said that there is a threat of arrest and sought interim relief until the matter is disposed of. Considering the arguments on both sides, Justice Venkata Jyothirmayee Pratapa directed Anjaneyulu to appear before the investigating officer when called and directed the police not to take coercive steps against him.