Former minister Ambati Rambabu sent to 14-day judicial custody

Vijayawada: In a major development that stirred political circles in Andhra Pradesh, the Special Mobile Court in Guntur on Sunday remanded former minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Ambati Rambabu to 14 days of judicial custody for allegedly making inappropriate and vulgar remarks against chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, which, according to police, led to serious law and order tensions.Two separate cases were registered against Rambabu. While the court ordered his remand in the case related to the objectionable comments, it granted station bail in another case. A prolonged and intense hearing was held to decide whether remand was necessary, with both sides presenting sharp arguments.During the proceedings, Ambati Rambabu made emotional submissions before the judge, alleging that he was physically harassed by police after his arrest. He told the court that he was taken out of the cell around 2.30 am and subjected to harassment by Nallapadu circle inspector Vamsi and two other CIs. Rambabu alleged that he was made to stand in an embarrassing posture, causing severe leg pain, and claimed that the officers admitted they were acting under "pressure from above". He further stated that he was not allowed to meet anyone at the police station.The judge carefully recorded all the grievances raised by the former minister. However, the police strongly opposed his plea, stating in the remand report that Ambati Rambabu had 16 criminal cases registered across the state and had a history of making repeated controversial remarks aimed at provoking tensions.The Nallapadu police told the court that Rambabu used extremely vulgar language to insult Chandrababu Naidu, was attempting to fuel discord between communities, and posed a serious threat to public peace. They warned that releasing him could trigger unrest across the state and even endanger his own safety. Seeking strict action, the police requested both 14 days' remand and custody.After considering arguments from both sides, the court ordered 14 days of judicial remand. Police are now making arrangements to shift Ambati Rambabu to the Rajahmundry Central Jail.