Former Minister and YSR Congress Party president in Guntur district, Ambati Rambabu, is facing a barrage of legal challenges from the coalition government, which critics describe as an unprecedented act of political vendetta. Despite being granted bail in one case, authorities have swiftly moved to file another against him, with PT warrants being issued in a flurry of legal activity that raises questions about the motivations behind these actions.
On Wednesday, the Guntur Excise Court, presided over by Judge B. Meri Saradhanamma, granted bail to Ambati Rambabu in a case where he was accused of intimidating officials during a medical movement. He was expected to be released on Thursday; however, just as this hope emerged, another PT warrant was issued in connection with a previous case related to celebrations he organized for Makar Sankranti.
Analysts have described this sequence of events as the pinnacle of governmental oppression, with claims that the coalition government is systematically targeting Ambati Rambabu. Critics argue that the state’s response to a political figure like Rambabu, especially one from the Kapu community, is both excessive and indicative of a troubling trend in the state’s governance under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. They assert that such actions are aimed at silencing dissent and stifling opposition voices in the state.
While Rambabu was detained in Central Jail for what is perceived as a petty offense, individuals who allegedly attacked his residence with petrol bombs and other weapons have been released on station bail, raising further questions about the fairness of the legal proceedings. Observers note that the excessive focus on prosecuting Rambabu while ignoring the attackers reflects a deeper issue of political manipulation within the state’s law enforcement mechanisms.
Following the attacks on him, a staggering 36 new cases have reportedly been registered against Rambabu, prompting the High Court to demand notices be issued in all these cases. The government’s actions against him, particularly in light of his vocal criticisms of corruption and irregularities, have sparked widespread protests among various factions who see this as an infringement on democratic principles.
Legal experts have pointed out that the spate of cases against Rambabu contradicts Supreme Court rulings that discourage filing multiple FIRs regarding the same offense. They note that the state government, under the directive of central ministers, appears to be disregarding these legal precedents to pursue a personal vendetta against the former minister. In this context, the High Court expressed astonishment at the sheer number of cases being filed against him, questioning the rationale behind such legal actions.
During hearings on Rambabu’s petitions seeking to dismiss these cases, Justice Venkata Jyothirmayi Pratap raised pertinent questions about the legal grounds for multiple FIRs arising from a single complaint. She emphasized the need for law enforcement to act in compliance with judicial standards, directing Guntur district police to issue notices under the appropriate sections of law.
As the situation unfolds, the legal battles faced by Ambati Rambabu are expected to continue, with significant implications for the political climate in Andhra Pradesh. The actions taken against him are viewed as not just an attack on an individual but as a broader assault on democratic rights, prompting a call for heightened scrutiny over the coalition government’s maneuvers in the state.
