Date:02/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/02/stories/2007110261301200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Congress leader freed on parole

Special Correspondent

KURNOOL: Gouru Venkat Reddy, Congress leader and husband of Nandikotkur MLA Charita, was released on 30-day parole from the Central Prison at Cherlapalli near Hyderabad on Thursday.

Mr. Reddy reached their native Brahmanakotkur village where he was greeted by a large number of supporters.

Reddy and seven others, who were accused in the 1995 twin murder case, were convicted by the district court. The Congress leader, who completed nearly six years in jail, availed of parole several times in the past.

However, his pardon by the State Government last year was faulted by the Supreme Court and he was sent back to the prison in October 2006.

Home Department Principal Secretary Ajayendra Pyal said the Government cleared Mr. Reddy’s request for parole on humanitarian grounds.