Hyderabad: Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and President of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, appeared before the special court for Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases at the Nampally criminal court complex here on Thursday.

The appearance was in connection with the ongoing disproportionate assets (DA) case being investigated by the CBI. Mr. Reddy, who flew into Begumpet airport from Vijayawada and proceeded to the court by road, was present amidst tight security arrangements put in place by the Hyderabad police. Traffic restrictions were enforced to ensure the smooth passage of the convoy.

Compliance with Court Directives

Mr. Reddy’s physical appearance before the court was mandated by earlier judicial directions. The court had instructed the former Chief Minister to ensure his personal attendance during the hearing of the DA case on or before November 21.

This directive came after the CBI had vehemently opposed Mr. Reddy’s previous plea seeking an exemption from personal appearance in the matter.

Security and Political Presence

Due to the high-profile nature of the case and the defendant’s stature, security was significantly heightened around the Nampally court complex. As a precautionary measure, police restricted the entry of outsiders into the court premises.

Despite the security measures, a large number of Mr. Reddy’s followers and YSRCP leaders converged on both the Begumpet airport and the Nampally court to catch a glimpse of the party president, making it challenging for the security personnel to manage the crowds.

The hearing in the DA case, which involves allegations against Mr. Reddy regarding investments made into his businesses in a quid-pro-quo arrangement during his father’s tenure as Chief Minister, is now proceeding with the accused’s mandatory presence.