Today, On 20th February, The Supreme Court criticised Andhra Police for mishandling the murder case involving YSRCP MLC Udaya Bhaskar, stating it was “a clear case of the nexus of Police and power,” and noting investigators hobnobbed with accused to facilitate bail.
The Supreme Court delivered strong remarks regarding the investigation into the 2022 murder case of Ananta Udaya Bhaskar, an MLC from the YSR Congress Party, also known as Anantha Babu.
A bench comprised of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi pointed out a discernible connection between the police and those in positions of power, indicating that the investigating agency has made efforts to facilitate Bhaskar’s bail.
The Court noted,
“This is a clear case of the nexus of Police and power…Police, investigating agencies have been hobnobbing with the accused and all attempts have been made to grant default bail under 167(2) CrPC to the appellant on a platter though High Court did not grant the same,”
The Court demanded that the trial against Bhaskar be concluded by November 30.
This case involves the death of Bhaskar’s former driver, Veedhi Subrahmanyam, a Dalit man, which occurred on May 19, 2022. Bhaskar, an MLC from Kakinada district, is accused of pushing him during an argument, resulting in Subrahmanyam’s fall and subsequent death.
Bhaskar was presented before the Special Mobile Judicial First Class Magistrate five days post-incident.
The former Deputy Superintendent of Police for Kakinada, Ravindranath Babu, had informed the media that the MLC had admitted to the crime.
In July 2025, the Andhra Pradesh High Court declined to suspend a lower court order mandating a reinvestigation.
The special court for SC/ST cases subsequently instructed that a supplementary chargesheet be filed within 90 days, following a decision from the Telugu Desam Party government in the state.
The Supreme Court had previously granted Bhaskar interim bail, and the Court acknowledged that he has been on interim bail for the past two years.
Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the State of Andhra Pradesh, informed the Court that a supplementary chargesheet has now been submitted.
The Court remarked,
“This shows laxity if not complicity with the state police with the accused exhibiting the grossest negligence in the matter of investigation of a heinous offence,”
Senior Advocate S. Nagamuthu represented Bhaskar in the proceedings. After listening to all parties, the Court emphasized the importance of balancing the right to liberty with the right to a fair trial.
The Court issued detailed directives regarding the trial, requesting the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court to assign the case to an experienced judicial officer.
The decision on framing charges should be made by April 18, with any necessary further investigation to be completed by March 31.
After charges are framed, the examination of evidence should be wrapped up, and the trial must conclude by November 30.
The Bench concluded,
“The proceedings will be monitored for compliance, and the trial judge is to be kept free from other assignments so the matter can be taken up on priority,”
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The Court asked the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court to assign the case to a seasoned judicial officer, who is to review the matter weekly.
Additionally, the portfolio judge of the High Court has been tasked with overseeing the trial’s progress to ensure adherence to the established timelines.
The High Court has been instructed not to issue any interim orders that could delay the trial.
Case Title: ANANTHA SATYA UDAYA BHASKARA RAO ANANTHA BABU Vs THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH