Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to Appear in Court for 2015 Cash-for-Vote Case

A city court has directed Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to appear on October 16 regarding the 2015 cash-for-vote case. The case involves a money laundering probe by the Enforcement Directorate. Reddy and other accused were previously granted bail, and significant evidence has been collected against them.

A city court on Tuesday instructed Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to appear before it on October 16 concerning the 2015 cash-for-vote case, in which he stands accused.

The Metropolitan Sessions Judge's court mandated the presence of Reddy and five other accused on October 16 for a hearing to consider charges in a money laundering investigation led by the Enforcement Directorate.

Among the accused, only the fourth was present in court on Tuesday, while others, including CM Reddy, had their presence exempted through petitions.

'For examination, call on 16.10.2024. All the accused are directed to be present on the next date of hearing for consideration of charges,'' the court ordered.

On May 31, 2015, Revanth Reddy, then with the Telugu Desam Party, was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while purportedly paying a Rs 50 lakh bribe to nominated MLA Elvis Stephenson for supporting TDP nominee Vem Narendar Reddy in the legislative council elections.

The ACB had arrested multiple people, all of whom were later granted bail. The Anti-Corruption Bureau asserted that it had gathered "clinching evidence" such as audio, video recordings, and the Rs 50 lakh advance bribe money.

In May 2021, the Enforcement Directorate filed a charge sheet against Reddy and others in the money laundering probe tied to the alleged cash-for-vote scam.

The central agency concluded that the accused committed both the scheduled offense and money laundering by handling the bribe money, considered proceeds of crime under the PMLA. The Enforcement Directorate previously seized the alleged Rs 50 lakh bribe under PMLA regulations.

(With inputs from agencies.)