Synopsis
The Telangana High Court initiated hearings in a case involving damages to the Medigadda barrage linked to the Kaleshwaram Project, following the murder of complainant Nagavelli Rajalingamurthy. The case involves allegations against former Chief Minister KCR and former minister Harish Rao. The court has adjourned proceedings until February 24.Key Takeaways
- Telangana High Court hears Medigadda barrage case.
- Case follows the murder of complainant Rajalingamurthy.
- Allegations against KCR and Harish Rao of misappropriation.
- Suspension of notices issued to KCR and Harish Rao by the High Court.
- Next hearing scheduled for February 24.
Hyderabad, Feb 21 (NationPress) The Telangana High Court commenced hearings on a case concerning the damages to the Medigadda barrage, part of the Kaleshwaram Project, just two days after the shocking murder of Nagavelli Rajalingamurthy, who lodged a complaint against former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former minister T. Harish Rao.
In August of the previous year, the Principal Sessions Court in Bhupalpally issued notices to BRS President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), former minister Harish Rao, alongside six other individuals.
Notices were dispatched to KCR, Harish Rao, the then Special Chief Secretary of Irrigation, retired IAS officer Rajat Kumar, Principal Secretary Smitha Sabharwal, Chief Engineers B. Hariram and N. Sridhar, and two representatives from contracting agencies.
KCR and Harish Rao challenged these notices and filed a petition in the High Court, seeking to annul the lower court's decision.
In December of the last year, the High Court suspended the notices directed towards KCR and Harish Rao.
Their legal representatives contended that the sessions court lacked the jurisdiction to preside over the case, citing previous rulings from various high courts and the Supreme Court.
The lower court issued notices in response to a petition from Rajalingamurthy, a resident of Bhupalpally, who alleged that Chandrasekhar Rao, Harish Rao, and others acted hastily on the project, bypassing proper testing to misappropriate substantial public funds. Rajalingamurthy referenced the sinking of the piers at Medigadda in October 2023 and the visit from National Dam Safety Authority officials, various politicians, and others to the barrage to assert that the respondents misused public finances.
The petitioner claimed this constituted offenses under Sections 120-B, 420, 386, 406, and 409 of the Indian Penal Code.
The sessions court initiated hearings after a lower court declined to address the case, stating only special judges are authorized to handle cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and the IPC. Subsequently, Rajalingamurthy sought a revision of the order from the First Class Principal Judicial Magistrate of Bhupalpally.
Rajalingamurthy was tragically murdered by unidentified assailants in Bhupalapally on Wednesday night. His family and leaders from the ruling Congress party accused BRS leaders of being responsible for the murder.
During the hearing on Friday, the legal representatives of KCR and Harish Rao informed the High Court of Rajalingamurthy's death. They argued that with the complainant deceased, the case could not proceed. However, the public prosecutor insisted that the hearings should continue and requested additional time to present their arguments.
The High Court has postponed the hearing to February 24.
