Date:17/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/17/stories/2007051704640500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Paritala case: court defers verdict on CBI plea

Staff Reporter

Judge extends remand for 13 accused in the case to June 8

ANANTAPUR: The District and Sessions Court on Wednesday heard the arguments over the petition filed by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the Paritala Ravindra murder case requesting the court to permit interrogation of one of the accused in the case K. Rammohan Reddy (A9) on his request to turn approver.

Judge K. Gaddenna reserved his decision on the CBI petition to June 8 after an hour-long argument between the Special Public Prosecutor of CBI M. Venkoba Rao and a team of five defence lawyers appearing for the other accused in the case. The judge also extended the remand of 13 accused in the case to June 8.

Based on the observation made by High Court the special public prosecutor of CBI argued before the court that the investigating agency must be given all chances including exploration of opportunities of accused turning approvers.

The team of defence lawyers for the accused except K. Rammohan Reddy and J. Srinivasa Reddy argued that the CBI should not be given the opportunity to interrogate Rammohan Reddy again as trial of the accused was about to begin.

The CBI had finished interrogation of all the accused and the case had reached a decisive stage now, the defence lawyers from Penukonda, Kadapa and Hyderabad said. Besides, the court had also turned down the plea of Rammohan Reddy expressing his willingness to turn an approver.

No `locus standi'

Counsel of the CBI Mr. Venkoba Rao argued that the defence counsel had no `locus standi' on the CBI petition and it was for the court to decide. Framing of charges on the accused prepared by the CBI has also been postponed to June 8. The

CBI counsel appealed to the court to frame the charges at least during the next hearing as his term as special public prosecutor with the CBI would expire on June 15 this year. His term could be extended by the CBI by filing a petition in the court.

All 13 accused in the case including Suri and Moddu Sreenu were produced in the court.