Khammam MP Nageswara Rao approaches TS HC; seeks to quash proceedings under PMLA

Telangana: Khammam MP Nama Nageswara Rao has moved to Telangana High Court praying for quashing the proceedings under PMLA. Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan heard the Criminal Petition filed by Nama Nageswara Rao on Friday. He had sought to call for the record and quash all proceedings under PML Act 2002.

Nama Nageswara Rao claimed that he is in no way concerned with Ranchi Expressway Limited and Madhucon Group. He said he is neither the director nor an employee of the firm.

Furthermore, his name doesn't figure in the predicate offence registered by the CBI, Ranchi. The charge sheet has been filed before the Special Court, CBI, Ranchi. He said his name also doesn't figure in the ECIR of the ED. As such, he is in no way concerned with predicate offence or with ED investigation under the Provisions of PMLA.

Senior Counsel S. Niranjan Reddy, who appeared for Nama Nageswara Rao, contended that Nama Nageswara Rao is not an accused in the predicate offence registered by the CBI. He said his client is in no way connected with the proceedings under PMLA Act.

However, searches were conducted and properties were attached. He prayed that all the proceedings initiated under PMLA be quashed.

Assistant Solicitor General of India (SZ) T. Surya Karan Reddy, who appeared for ED, stated that the petitioner had already obtained protection against arrest from the Supreme Court in the matter. He said except attachment of the properties, no prosecution complaint has been filed by the ED before the Special Court and no criminal proceedings are pending against the petitioner under PMLA.

Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan after hearing all the contentions asked ED to file the counter regarding interim relief. The court fixed the next hearing on December 9.