The rape case against former YSRCP minister Merugu Nagarjuna had taken an unexpected turn. Nagarjuna had filed a petition seeking to quash the case that was initially registered by the Tadepalli police based on a complaint lodged by a woman. During the court proceedings, the victim appeared in the High Court and presented an affidavit stating that her initial complaint was false and that she had no objection to the case being dismissed. However, Justice V.R.K. Kripasagar did flag up a strong criticism of the situation, that there has been a trend of complainants filing cases and then later seeking their dismissal.
Justice Kripasagar held that cases cannot be withdrawn just because the complainant wants so. The complainant would face law if the allegations are found to be false ones. Nagarjuna’s lawyer sought interim protection from arrest till the date of the next hearing, but the judge rejected the plea. The judge directed the police to furnish a report with regard to the investigation and the case diary which is scheduled for hearing on 12th of this month.
He had promised her contract work and employment and had taken ₹90 lakh from her. She had filed an F.I.R against him under the Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Act, rape, and fraud. Nagarjuna’s personal assistant Murali Mohan Reddy threatened and intimidated her. The woman told the media that she had known Nagarjuna for five years when he had made false promises against money.
In response, Nagarjuna has resolutely dismissed the allegations, saying that the allegations were baseless and part of a larger conspiracy. According to him, if ever any proof of his involvement came up, he was ready to face it, the extent of which went up to as much as a full investigation or even the death penalty. He also mentioned that he would put this case before the district SP so that it gets proper investigation and he would file private cases against those responsible for these allegations. “He will be taken into custody, no matter what happens, he intends to bring those involved in this conspiracy,” Nagarjuna has said about his determination.
