Politics – Telangana CM Addresses Drug Case Probe and Bail Controversy
Politics – Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday addressed concerns surrounding the Moinabad farmhouse drug case, stating that due process was followed in granting bail to those involved. He clarified that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Putta Mahesh Kumar was released on station bail strictly as per legal provisions, dismissing suggestions of any undue political influence.
Clarification on Bail Procedure
Speaking informally with journalists in Delhi, the Chief Minister responded to questions regarding alleged intervention in the release of the TDP parliamentarian. He maintained that the authorities acted within the framework of the law and that no special favors were extended. According to him, the decision to grant station bail was handled by officials in line with established procedures.
Special Investigation Team Formed
To ensure a thorough inquiry, the Telangana Director General of Police constituted a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) earlier this week. The SIT has been tasked with examining all aspects of the case, including the circumstances leading to the arrests and any potential wider network linked to the incident.
Details of the Moinabad Farmhouse Raid
The case stems from a late-night raid conducted on March 14 at a farmhouse in Moinabad, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The property belongs to former BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy. The operation was carried out jointly by the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) and local police authorities.
During the raid, 11 individuals present at the farmhouse, including one woman, were taken into custody. Subsequent medical tests reportedly indicated that six among them, including Rohith Reddy and Putta Mahesh Kumar, had consumed prohibited substances.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Following the arrests, Putta Mahesh Kumar along with several others was granted station bail the next day. However, Rohith Reddy, his brother Ritesh Reddy, and a businessman identified as Namith Sharma from Delhi were presented before a court. The court ordered their remand to judicial custody as the investigation continues.
Officials have indicated that further questioning and evidence collection are underway to determine the extent of involvement of each individual and whether additional charges may be filed.
Political Remarks and Election Timeline
During the interaction with the media, the Chief Minister also commented on the state’s political timeline. He expressed confidence that the next Telangana Assembly elections would be conducted in 2029, rather than 2028 as speculated in some quarters.
Additionally, he reiterated his support for the early implementation of women’s reservation in both Parliament and state legislatures, calling it an important step toward inclusive governance.
Meetings with Congress Leadership
Earlier in the day, Revanth Reddy, accompanied by Telangana Congress president Mahesh Kumar Goud and party Members of Parliament, met senior Congress leaders in Delhi. The delegation held discussions with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi regarding current political developments.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister introduced Vem Narender Reddy, recently elected to the Rajya Sabha, to the party leadership. The interaction was described as part of ongoing coordination between state and national leadership.
The Chief Minister and state Congress leadership also met All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday night. Kharge extended his congratulations to Narender Reddy and discussed key political matters with the delegation.
In addition, the leaders held a separate meeting with AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal to review organizational and political strategies.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Authorities have emphasized that the SIT will continue its investigation with a focus on transparency and accountability. Officials are expected to examine forensic evidence, statements from those detained, and any links that may emerge during the probe.
The government has assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings, and that the case will proceed strictly according to the law.