In a late-night decision, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted interim protection from arrest to Macherla YSRCP MLA P Ramakrishna Reddy, who is currently absconding. This order comes in response to Reddy’s alleged involvement in smashing an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) during the recent polling day on May 13. Reddy, also the YSRCP candidate from the Macherla Assembly seat, reportedly entered polling station number 202 in his constituency and vandalized an EVM.
The incident, captured by a web camera installed by the Election Commission, provided clear evidence leading to his identification. Following this, Reddy sought legal protection, citing his need to participate in the upcoming vote counting scheduled for June 4.
The court found merit in Reddy’s petition and decided to grant him interim protection from arrest until June 6. “This court is inclined to give interim protection not to arrest the petitioner till the next date of hearing,” the court stated, adding several conditions to the order. Among these, Reddy is required to ensure no further criminal activities or disturbances are caused by him or his followers in the district of Palnadu.
Additionally, Reddy has been restricted to staying within the Narasaraopeta Parliamentary constituency, although he is permitted to travel to the vote counting station, which is geographically outside the Lok Sabha constituency.
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In its directives, the court also ordered Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena to ensure that police maintain complete surveillance over Reddy’s movements during the interim period.
