AP government orders withdrawing criminal cases against Jagan

"After careful examination of the matter, the government decided to direct the Collector and District Magistrate, to instruct the Assistant Public Prosecutor to initiate immediate action in accordance with law for withdrawal of prosecution under Section 321 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and guidelines issued in government order No 54 of Law (LA&J - Home Courts -B) Department, dated March 30, 2000, against the accused," Law Secretary R Damodar said in the orders.

The state government took a policy decision last year to withdraw all criminal cases filed against those who agitated for and against bifurcation of AP since December, 2009. Accordingly, these cases are being withdrawn in a phased manner both in Telangana and Andhra-Rayalaseema regions.

Jagan is accused number 30 in three cases filed at Pulivendula (Urban) police station against him and 30 others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, and the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1932.

These cases related to agitating for a unified Andhra Pradesh where government property at BSNL, irrigation and revenue offices were allegedly damaged, were pending trial before the Assistant Sessions Judge's court in Kadapa.

In letters to the state government between February and June this year, DGP V Dinesh Reddy had "not recommended withdrawal of prosecution" against the accused, based on the Kadapa District Superintendent of Police's report.

However, the government decided to overrule him and withdraw prosecution proceedings against the accused.