BRS MLA Kaushik Reddy arrested in extortion case, released on bail

Hyderabad, Jun 21 (PTI) BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy was arrested early on Saturday in connection with an extortion case but was released on bail by a Warangal court later in the evening, police said.

The Huzurabad MLA was arrested at the RGI airport here and taken to Warangal.

The opposition BRS claimed that Kaushik Reddy's remand was rejected by the court.

The case was registered based on an allegation that Kaushik Reddy threatened a quarry owner and took Rs 25 lakh from him and demanded Rs 50 lakh more, police said.

Former BRS MP and a lawyer B Vinod Kumar told reporters that a court in Warangal, where Kaushik Reddy was produced, rejected his remand and released him on furnishing sureties and personal bond.

Lawyers representing the MLA argued in the court that the sections of law invoked against him are not justified, Vinod Kumar said.

However, the police official said one section of law was rejected and that Kaushik Reddy got bail on furnishing two personal bonds.

BRS Working President K T Rama Rao said in a release that false cases are being foisted against Kaushik Reddy as he is questioning the "illegalities" of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and the corruption and irregularities of ministers and ruling Congress leaders.

Rama Rao demanded the unconditional release of the MLA.

Taking exception to Rama Rao's reaction, ruling Congress MLC Venkat Balmoori said the MLA was arrested in a case related to extortion of money and not any people's issue. PTI SJR GDK SJR ROH