Court allows Jaganmohan Reddy to go abroad

HYDERABAD: The special court for CBI cases here today permitted YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy to visit Israel, France and England.

Jagan, an MLA from Pulivendula in Andhra Pradesh and the prime accused in `quid-pro-quo investments' cases, had applied to the court for permission to travel to Jerusalem, Israel, France and England for 15 days in June and July.

The cases pertain to alleged investments made by various private firms and individuals in Jagan's businesses as a quid-pro-quo for favours obtained from Andhra Pradesh government when his father, late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, was the Chief Minister between 2004 and 2009.

This would be Jagan's first overseas trip after he got bail in September 2013. The court had then said that he should not leave Hyderabad without its permission.

CBI opposed Jagan's application, alleging that he was trying to delay the trial and drag the proceedings.

The trial was at the stage of arguments before the framing of charge and Jagan had not put forth his stand about his position on the discharge or otherwise, the agency counsel argued.

Jagan is accused of impoverishing the public exchequer to the tune of several thousand crores of rupees, the prosecution lawyer said.