The CBI on Thursday agreed to grant bail to ex-Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana Rao for five days, against ten days sought by him to visit Sabarimala from December 24.
The investigating agency initially opposed bail for Rao on the ground that he could influence witnesses if bailed out as he was an influential person but relented later since he wanted to go on a pilgrimage.
Citing a precedent when Trimex group chairman and accused in Emaar township scam Koneru Prasad was granted bail by the same court for five days to visit Sabrimala, the CBI informed the court that it would not have an objection if Rao was also bailed out for the same period and conditions as imposed on the former, mainly related to escort and other security concerns.
Order reserved
The principal court for CBI cases, which heard the arguments, reserved its order for December 18.
On the other hand, former Karnataka Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy on Thursday appeared in the court for Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) cases in connection with the case of bribery to secure his bail.
His judicial remand was extended till December 24.
Janardhan Reddy’s counsel filed in the CBI court the valuation report of the helicopter belonging to his client quoting a price of Rs 3 crore as certified by a chartered accountant after depreciation.
The court had asked Janardhan Reddy himself to get the helicopter valued with inputs from an insurance company and income-tax returns after Bell, the manufacturing company, and Director General of Civil Aviation did not respond to notices.
Reason for valuation report
The valuation report was sought because Janardhan Reddy claimed the helicopter on the ground that it would get damaged if it was not used and he continued paying demurrage.
The CBI opposed returning the chopper to him as it was a case property.
The court posted the case for hearing on December 18.
