New Delhi, August 8

The CBI has arrested five persons for allegedly posting defamatory content on social media against judges of the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court.

The declaration comes two days after the Chief Justice of India (CJI) said the central enforcement and intelligence agencies were “not helping” the judiciary when judicial officers of lower courts complained about threats.

Officials in the CBI said the role of Lok Sabha member Nandigam Suresh and Amanchi Krishna Mohan (both of the YSR Congress) was under scanner in the case.

CBI spokesperson RC Joshi said, “To investigate the larger conspiracy, the CBI has also examined certain persons, including an MP, ex-MLA and also continued investigation into the role of other persons, who were not mentioned in the FIR.”

Joshi said, “It was alleged that the accused, by intentionally targeting the judiciary, made derogatory posts on social media against judges and judiciary, following some court verdicts delivered by judges of the Andhra Pradesh HC.”

Officials said the agency arrested Pattapu Aadarsh and Lavanuru Samba Siva Reddy from Andhra Pradesh on Saturday night. On July 28, it had arrested Dhami Reddy Konda Reddy and Pamula Sudheer. Lingareddy Rajasekhar Reddy, who was residing in Kuwait, was arrested on July 9 when he landed in India. — TNS