Telangana High Court grants bail in Nagarkurnool festival case
HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court granted bail to three accused in a case involving alleged caste abuse, assault, and the death of an infant during a temple festival in Nagarkurnool district.
The accused, including Vundyala Srinivas Reddy, filed a criminal petition after police named them in an FIR at Nagarkurnool police station. Authorities booked them under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015.
Allegations During Temple Festival
The complainant said the incident took place during the Kummera Jathara on February 18. She alleged that the first accused demanded money for temple darshan.
When she refused, he allegedly abused her using caste-based remarks and pushed her to the ground.
She also claimed that the accused dragged her husband into a nearby room and beat him with a rod and a coconut, causing injuries.
During the clash, a two-month-old infant was allegedly kicked. The child later died while undergoing treatment.
Defence Arguments
Counsel for the accused denied the allegations. They argued that the incident did not happen as described.
They also claimed that the infant was not present at the spot. According to them, police falsely implicated the accused.
The defence said the accused have remained in judicial custody since February. They added that investigators have already recorded several witness statements.
Prosecution Stand
The Public Prosecutor opposed the bail plea. He argued that the case involves serious allegations and requires further investigation.
Court’s Observation and Bail Order
After hearing both sides, the court reviewed the case records. It noted that the accused had spent several weeks in custody.
The court also observed that some statements raised doubts about the complainant’s presence at the scene.
Considering the stage of investigation, the injuries, and the time spent in jail, the court granted bail to the accused.
HC Refuses to Quash Stamp Duty Fraud Case
In another case, Justice J. Sreenivasa Rao of the Telangana High Court refused to quash criminal proceedings in a stamp duty fraud case.
The court heard a petition filed by Dasari Srikanth. He sought to quash charges filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
The judge said the allegations involve document manipulation and financial irregularities. He stressed that investigators must examine them thoroughly.
The court ruled that it cannot interfere at this early stage. It directed authorities to continue the trial as per law.
