The Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Andhra Pradesh is tightening the noose around Media baron and Eenadu group chairman Cherukuri Ramoji Rao in connection with alleged irregularities in the Margadarsi Chit Funds case.In such circumstances, the media baron is said to be seeking help from the Narendra Modi government.
The issue has taken a serious turn with the CID authorities writing to the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax department to step in and take up the probe into the siphoning of funds and diversion of deposits collected by Margadarsi Chit Funds.In a swift move, the CID officials arrested Margadarsi Chit Fund Private Limited’s accountant and auditor, Kudaravalli Shravan, on Thursday on charges of financial irregularities.
He was produced in the third additional chief metropolitan magistrate court and was sent to 14 days of judicial remand.
Earlier in the week, the CID had sent notices to Ramoji Rao and his daughter-in-law Cherukuri Sailaja to be present at the CID office in Mangalagiri for questioning.
According to highly placed sources, Ramoji Rao has started extensive lobbying with the Centre, using his connections with Union home minister Amit Shah to control in Chief Minister Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy so that the latter could go slow with the CID investigation.
The issue of the Margadarsi case is expected to come up for discussion when the Chief Minister meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Political experts opine that Shah could have asked Jagan to stop the witch-hunt of Ramoji Rao to settle political scores, keeping in view his age and the reputation he enjoys in society.
Ramoji Rao has been enjoying good relations with the Bharatiya Janata Party bosses at the Centre.
Such is the clout he enjoys with the Centre that Shah made a lightning visit all the way to Ramoji Film City to meet the veteran media baron.In 2016, the Narendra Modi government honored him with the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in the country.
