Balakrishna Reddy sentenced to 3 year imprisonment in 1998 stone pelting case; resigns from Cabinet

Balakrishna Reddy (Source: IETamil)

Tamil Nadu Cabinet minister Balakrishna Reddy was sentenced to three years imprisonment by a special court Monday in a 1998 stone pelting case related to a protest against illicit liquor in Hosur. The minister has resigned from his post and will appeal in the Madras High Court tomorrow.

In 1998, over 30 people had died after consuming poisonous liquor. Following that, a road blockade was held where the protesters allegedly went on a rampage and attacked vehicles, including that of police. A total of 108  people were booked in the case.

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Then a BJP member, Reddy had later joined AIADMK. Besides Reddy, who represents Hosur constituency in the assembly, the court sentenced 15 other accused in the case to three years rigorous imprisonment.