Former minister Ambati Rambabu’s hopes for a swift release from Rajamahendravaram Central Jail were dashed on Wednesday. Just hours after receiving bail in cases related to making derogatory remarks against the Chief Minister and obstructing police duties, the Sattenapalli police filed a Prisoner Transit (PT) warrant in a separate matter. This latest warrant pertains to a controversial Sankranti Lucky Draw organized in 2023, where Rambabu was accused of illegal fund collection and administrative irregularities. As a result, his release has been stalled, and he is expected to remain in custody.
The origins of this case trace back to the 2023 Sankranti festivities in Sattenapalli, where Rambabu allegedly organized a massive lucky draw under the banner of “YSR Sankranti Sambaralu.” It was alleged that tickets were sold for ₹100 each, promising luxury prizes like cars and bikes, reportedly collecting crores of rupees without official permission. Following a complaint by Janasena leader Gade Venkateswara Rao, who alleged that village volunteers were used to force ticket sales, the court directed the police to register a case. This old investigation has now been revived just as Rambabu was set to walk free.
Key Developments in the Case:
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Sequential Arrests: Observers note a strategic “chain of cases” by the police. Whenever Rambabu secures bail in one case, a PT warrant is filed in another to ensure he remains in judicial custody.
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Court Appearance: A local judge has ordered the police to produce Ambati Rambabu in court on Thursday regarding the lucky draw case. The police are expected to seek further custody for interrogation.
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Ongoing Turmoil: Rambabu is already facing multiple charges across various stations in the state, including an incident involving misbehavior with police during protests against the privatization of medical colleges last year.
