If Arrests Are Made Arbitrarily, Courts Must Be Answered: Former CBI JD Lakshminarayana on KTR Issue
Hyderabad: Telangana Minister and BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for nearly seven hours regarding the Formula E car racing event. During the investigation, speculation arose about the possibility of KTR being arrested. However, he returned home following the questioning.
Commenting on this matter, former CBI Joint Director V.V. Lakshminarayana stated that no investigative agency has the authority to make arbitrary arrests. He emphasized that if an arrest is made, it must be substantiated with valid reasons and proper justification submitted to the court.
Lakshminarayana elaborated, saying, “Custodial interrogation of the accused becomes necessary only under specific circumstances—when uninterrupted questioning is required, or if the accused is uncooperative and withholding critical information. In such cases, the arrest must be justified with written explanations presented to the court. However, there are instances where an arrest may not be essential, and agencies must be prepared to justify every action taken before the judiciary.”
Referring to KTR’s approach, Lakshminarayana noted that before attending the ED and ACB inquiries, KTR had addressed the media to clarify the allegations against him. KTR reportedly explained the nature of the case, the reasons for financial transactions related to the event, and the intent behind the decisions made. He asserted that his actions were devoid of criminal intent and were aimed at benefiting the state.
Commenting on this matter, former CBI Joint Director V.V. Lakshminarayana stated that no investigative agency has the authority to make arbitrary arrests. He emphasized that if an arrest is made, it must be substantiated with valid reasons and proper justification submitted to the court.
Lakshminarayana elaborated, saying, “Custodial interrogation of the accused becomes necessary only under specific circumstances—when uninterrupted questioning is required, or if the accused is uncooperative and withholding critical information. In such cases, the arrest must be justified with written explanations presented to the court. However, there are instances where an arrest may not be essential, and agencies must be prepared to justify every action taken before the judiciary.”
Referring to KTR’s approach, Lakshminarayana noted that before attending the ED and ACB inquiries, KTR had addressed the media to clarify the allegations against him. KTR reportedly explained the nature of the case, the reasons for financial transactions related to the event, and the intent behind the decisions made. He asserted that his actions were devoid of criminal intent and were aimed at benefiting the state.