Violence in Punganur: High Court hears Midhun Reddy’s plea to quash FIRs

Justice Y. Lakshmana Rao of the Andhra Pradesh High Court heard the petitions filed by Rajampet MP P.V. Midhun Reddy for quashing four FIRs registered against him by Punganur urban police for alleged involvement in violence over filing of nominations for the local body election.

Appearing for Mr. Midhun Reddy, Senior Counsel O. Manohar Reddy argued that the cases were foisted on frivolous grounds for vexatious reasons.

Public Prosecutor M. Lakshminarayana appeared for the State. He presented videos to establish the involvement of the MP in the incident.

Senior Advocate Posani Venkateshwarlu appeared for one of the complainants and argued that the presence of the MP and his followers at the nomination centre was unwarranted and that he has no right to seek any relief when sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita invoked against him disclosed the commission of a cognizable offences.

Representing another complainant, advocate P.V.G. Umesh Chandra pointed out that the MP was neither a contestant nor a proposer and he disregarded caution by police.

He added that Mr. Midhun Reddy could not make out a prima facie case for granting stay, as there was evidence of a reasonable nexus. Moreover, Mr. Midhun Reddy's counsel submitted a medical report which revealed injuries to him. The matter was adjourned for a later date.