Telangana High Court raps cops for seizing BRS MLA’s mobile phone

The High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the police's action in seizing the mobile phone of Huzurabad BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy, stating that such conduct was inappropriate.

By LEGAL CORRESPONDENT

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has expressed strong disapproval of the police’s action in seizing the mobile phone of Huzurabad BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy, stating that such conduct was inappropriate. The court ordered that the mobile phone be returned to the MLA and emphasized that if the police intend to seize any device, they must follow proper legal procedures as per the law.

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The controversy began on December 5, when Gachibowli police took Kaushik Reddy into custody at his residence in Kondapur after a complaint was filed by the Banjara Hills Circle Inspector alleging that the MLA obstructed his duties. During the incident, police reportedly seized the MLA’s iPhone, prompting Kaushik Reddy to file a petition seeking the return of his phone.

During the hearing, Senior Counsel Gandra Mohan Rao, representing Kaushik Reddy, argued that around 50 policemen forcibly entered the MLA’s home on the day of the incident, creating chaos and attempting to harass him. He further claimed that the police had seized the phone with the intention of causing unnecessary trouble for the MLA, given his political opposition to the ruling party. Rao contended that the police’s actions were politically motivated, aimed at disrupting the MLA’s personal and professional life.

On the other hand, Public Prosecutor Palle Nageshwar Rao, representing the government, defended the actions of the police. He argued that Kaushik Reddy had been implicated in a conspiracy against the government, and the phone was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to investigate the alleged offenses. The prosecutor further stated that the phone was still with the FSL, and hence it could not be returned immediately. He also mentioned that the MLA and his supporters had allegedly misbehaved at the police station, obstructing the police in the discharge of their duties.

After hearing both sides, Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy ordered the police to return the mobile phone to Kaushik Reddy, emphasizing that the law should be followed if any device is to be seized in future. The court also issued notices to the MLA and adjourned the case until January 6, 2024, for further proceedings.