Forcible entry into counting center: Ex-MLA Rohith Reddy, 8 others get anticipatory bail
The case stems from an incident on February 13, when the accused were alleged to have forcibly entered a counting booth where votes polled in the Tandur municipal elections were being tabulated.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has granted anticipatory bail to former Tandur MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy and eight others in the unlawful entry into the counting center case.
Nine people, including Reddy, had allegedly barged into the counting centre during the recently concluded municipal election.
The relief was granted by Justice Kalasikam Sujana of the High Court in Criminal Petition No. 2084 of 2026 on Friday.
Case relates to alleged counting booth breach
The case stems from an incident on February 13, when the accused were alleged to have forcibly entered a counting booth where votes polled in the Tandur municipal elections were being tabulated.
Based on a complaint, the Tandur Town Police Station in Vikarabad district registered Crime No. 50 of 2026 against Pilot Rohith Reddy (arrayed as Accused No. 1) and eight others.
They were booked under Sections 223, 132, 126(2) read with Section 189(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for alleged unlawful assembly and unauthorised entry into a notified election counting premises, amounting to violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
Court finds no need for custodial interrogation.
While granting anticipatory bail, Justice Kalasikam Sujana observed that:
The allegations pertain to entry into a counting booth.
The witnesses cited in the case are primarily public officials.
There was no demonstrated need for a custodial interrogation of the petitioners at this stage of the investigation.
Considering these aspects, the Court held that anticipatory bail was warranted.
Bail conditions imposed
The Court directed the petitioners to:
Surrender before the Station House Officer, Tandur Town Police Station, within two weeks from the date of the order.
Be released on bail upon executing a personal bond of Rs 25,000 each, along with two sureties for a like sum.
They were further instructed to comply with the conditions under Section 482(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and fully cooperate with the Investigating Officer.
Additionally, the petitioners must:
Appear before the Investigating Officer every Monday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for eight weeks or until the filing of the charge sheet, whichever is earlier.
Thereafter, appear as and when directed by the investigating authorities.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
