Hyderabad: On Tuesday, the High Court Single Bench, led by Justice Kunuru Lakshman, dismissed a criminal petition filed by K Tarakarama Rao (KTR), an MLA. KTR is the main accused in a case (crime number 12/ROC-CIU ACB-2024) registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to criminal conspiracy and breach of trust.
KTR’s lawyer requested the court to grant interim protection for 10 days. However, the High Court rejected this request.
In the order, Justice Kunuru Lakshman mentioned that the complaint was filed on December 18, 2024, and the First Information Report (FIR) was registered the following day, on December 19, 2024. KTR filed the current petition on December 20, 2024, just a day after the FIR was registered.
The judge explained that the investigating agency needs sufficient time to conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence. The court emphasized that it cannot interfere with or rush the investigation at this stage.
The court further noted that since a prima facie case has been established, other allegations, such as claims of malice, lack of dishonest intent, misappropriation, or failure to include other alleged beneficiaries, should be addressed during the investigation. The observations made in the order, the court clarified, are solely for deciding the current petition.
As a result, the High Court dismissed KTR’s petition. Additionally, the interim order issued on December 20, 2024, was vacated.
