Rashid, ex-TDP corporator remanded in custody

Hyderabad, May 4 (UNI) A local court today remanded prime suspect Rashid and former TDP Corporator Muzaffar Ali Khan, allegedly involved in the human trafficking case involving BJP MP Babubai Katara, to judicial custody till May 18.

The XI Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate remanded them to judicial custody till May 18 after they were produced before the court.

Police, however, said they would move a petition for further interrogation.

Rashid's name figured in the case after the arrest of BJP MP from Gujarat, Babubhai Katara, for taking a woman and a boy abroad on his wife and son's passport. He surrendered before the police yesterday. However, he claimed innocence and apprehended a threat to his life.

Meanwhile, sources said Delhi Police wanted to interrogate Rashid and it would send its team to the city in a day or two.

During interrogation, Rashid reportedly revealed the name of one Raju Pitti alias American Raju, hailing from Gujarat, who allegedly played a major role in establishing contacts between Rashid and several VIPs, police sources said.

Pitti, who had interests in the film industry, was also involved in cricket betting. He used to supply clients to Rashid and maintained contacts with several VIPs to help him run the racket.

The racket also had political ramifications as TRS Chief K Chandrasekhara Rao suspended his one-time Deputy and former Union Minister A Narendra from the party after his name cropped up in the case.

Mr Narendra, however, denied the charge and alleged Mr Rao was behind the racket.

UNI