As per report the Andhra Pradesh government over the course of five years from 2014-2018 issued government orders (GOs) to withdraw 21 criminal cases against various Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders. Reportedly many of those against whom cases have been withdrawn, are ministers and legislators in the present TDP government and are contesting in the upcoming state elections.
Furthermore some of the cases that have been withdrawn include rape and murder charges. As per report all the 21 cases were withdrawn by prosecutors under instructions from the state DGP (Director General of Police) and the DGP was instructed to do so through GOs released by the state home department between 2014 and 2018. Reportedly a representation to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on the large scale withdrawal of criminal cases against public representatives in Andhra Pradesh has been made by Hyderabad based Forum for Good Governance.
Moreover the Forum, which has made a representation to the CEO, has opined that such blanket withdrawal of cases encourages crimes during elections and creates a feeling that any serious offence booked by the police can be managed. Hence they have requested the ECI to order an inquiry into the cases withdrawn by the AP government.
