Question Mithun Reddy in the presence of his lawyer: Andhra Pradesh high court

Vijayawada: The high court on Thursday directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged liquor scam taken place during YSRCP regime, to question Rajampet MP P Mithun Reddy in the presence of his lawyer. The high court also directed to ensure that the questioning is done under the surveillance of CCTV. However, the top court has rejected the plea for audio video recording of the statement.The SIT has issued notices to Mithun Reddy directing him to appear before the SIT at the office of the commissioner of police in Vijayawada on April 19 at 10 am. Mithun Reddy moved the high court with an apprehension of potential ‘physical abuse', including the possibility of being ‘assaulted or manhandled'.Arguing on behalf of Mithun Reddy, senior counsel T Niranjan Reddy said that the ruling party, driven by political vendetta, targeted Mithun Reddy with an intention to implicate him in liquor case. He contended that the petitioner is having apprehension that he may be assaulted during the examination. He sought directions to the SIT to allow his advocates and record audio-video recording of the statement.Arguing for the state govt, advocate general Dammalapati Srinivas said that CCTVs are present in the office of commissioner. He said that the discretion to adopt audio-video electronic means for recording the statement solely lies with the investigating officer and it would not be appropriate to issue any direction mandating such a procedure.Considering the arguments on both sides, Justice T Mallikharjuna Rao directed the SIT to allow two advocates of Mithun Reddy's choice to accompany him. However, only one advocate should be in the line of sight, at a distance of 10 feet, at any given point of time. Justice Mallikharjuna Rao further directed that the advocate should not interfere with the process of recording of the statement in any manner. The investigation officer was directed to ensure that the statement of Mithun Reddy is recorded within the designated coverage area of the CCTV cameras.