A political figure's movement from correctional custody to a courtroom underscores ongoing legal disputes and heightened public interest.
Former minister Ambati Rambabu, a leader within the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), was temporarily released from Rajahmundry Central Jail on a PT warrant. This procedural release allowed him to appear in the Guntur court. He is expected to be readmitted to prison on February 9, as indicated by reports. The circumstances surrounding his incarceration and this temporary release are tied to multiple cases filed against him in Guntur.

Background and Arrest
Ambati Rambabu was remanded to 14 days' judicial custody on February 2, 2026, by a Guntur Special Judicial Magistrate. This action stemmed from two separate cases registered against him in November and February of the preceding year, and on February 2nd, 2026.
One case, filed in November of the previous year, alleges that Rambabu threatened police officers. Reports suggest this incident occurred during a rally taken out without police permission, where he allegedly confronted and threatened officials when stopped. He was booked under Sections 126(2) and 132 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, related to obstructing public servants.
Another set of cases is linked to a protest held earlier. This protest, which involved opposing the privatization of medical colleges via a PPP model, saw Rambabu allegedly pushing past barricades. Further allegations include abusive language, derogatory remarks against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and obstruction of police duty.
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Following his arrest on Saturday, February 1st, 2026, Rambabu was taken to Rajahmundry Central Jail and formally handed over to jail authorities. The events leading to his arrest reportedly involved confrontations at Chillies Centre in Gorantla, where a dispute over the removal of a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) banner near the NTR statue escalated.

Political Ramifications and Public Response
The situation has ignited political tensions. Reports describe a large group of TDP supporters gathering outside Rambabu’s residence and office on the night of his arrest. This gathering allegedly led to the vandalism of his house and vehicles, with some vehicles reportedly set on fire. In response, police increased security at Rambabu's residence and office, with Guntur District Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal deploying additional personnel to prevent further disturbances.
The YSRCP cadre has expressed concern that Rambabu's situation could mirror that of Posani Krishna Murali, who faced multiple PT warrants. This concern stems from the filing of several cases across the state against Ambati Rambabu in connection with the "CBN case," suggesting a pattern of escalating legal challenges.
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Court Proceedings and Warrant Procedure
The PT warrant signifies that Rambabu was formally brought before a court for a specific hearing or purpose, despite being in custody. The legal framework dictates that he must be presented to the court within a specified timeframe.
Reports indicate that the Guntur police moved Ambati to the city under the PT warrant procedure on Monday.
A Special Judicial Magistrate ordered his remand to judicial custody for 14 days after hearing arguments on the custody petition.
In one case related to objectionable comments, the court ordered his 14-day judicial remand. However, in another case, he was granted station bail.
The release for a single day is specifically to fulfill his appearance obligation in the Guntur court.
Legal Framework
The cases against Ambati Rambabu are being prosecuted under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which has replaced the Indian Penal Code. Specific sections cited include:
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Section 126(2): Often relates to acts intended to prejudice the maintenance of law and order.
Section 132: Pertains to offenses related to unlawful assemblies and obstruction.
Other sections mentioned include 196(1), 352, 351(2), and 292, which may cover charges such as criminal intimidation, use of criminal force, assault, and obscenity, depending on the specifics of the alleged remarks and actions.
Conflicting Narratives and Evidence
Official Police Account: Rambabu allegedly obstructed police officers discharging their duties, threatened them, made derogatory remarks against the Chief Minister, and was involved in a confrontation related to a TDP banner. He was booked under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
YSRCP Perspective: Concerns exist about the potential for repeated legal actions, drawing parallels to the Posani Krishna Murali case. The actions of TDP supporters in allegedly vandalizing Rambabu's property also form a part of the broader context.
Court Orders: The court has issued a 14-day judicial remand order, indicating that judicial officers have found sufficient grounds based on police submissions to detain Rambabu pending further investigation or trial.
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The temporary release for a court appearance highlights the procedural mechanisms within the justice system to ensure defendants are presented before the judiciary, even while serving a custodial sentence. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the Guntur court set to adjudicate further on matters related to these cases.
Sources:
The Hindu: "Ambati Rambabu released for a day on PT warrant to appear in Guntur court" (Published: February 09, 2026)
Context: Reports on the procedural release of Ambati Rambabu from jail to attend court.
m9.news: "Ambati Moved On PT Warrant, Repeat Posani?" (Published: 5 hours ago)
Context: Discusses the transfer of Ambati Rambabu to Guntur on a PT warrant and concerns about repeated legal actions.
Link: https://www.m9.news/politics/ambati-rambabu-shifted-guntur-pt-warrant-case/
NTV Telugu: "Ambati Rambabu: అంబటి రాంబాబుకి బిగ్ షాక్.. పీటీ వారెంట్ దాఖలు చేసిన పోలీసులు" (Published: 1 day ago)
Context: Reports on the police filing a PT warrant against Ambati Rambabu in connection with a protest incident.
Link: https://ntvtelugu.com/andhra-pradesh-news/ambati-rambabu-pt-warrant-case-933128.html
AP7AM: "YSR Congress leader Ambati Rambabu sent to judicial custody in fresh case" (Published: 12 hours ago)
Context: Details Ambati Rambabu's judicial custody in a case involving alleged threats to police officers and obstruction of duty.
The Print: "YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody" (Published: Feb 2, 2026)
Context: Reports on Ambati Rambabu's remand in judicial custody related to alleged derogatory remarks against the Chief Minister and obstruction of police.
Link: https://theprint.in/india/ysrcp-leader-ambati-rambabu-remanded-to-14-days-judicial-custody/2843541/
The Hans India: "Ambati remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody amid political row" (Published: 6 days ago)
Context: Covers Ambati Rambabu's judicial custody, the cases filed against him under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the political tension surrounding the events.
News18: "YSRCP's Ambati Rambabu Sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody Over Derogatory Remarks About CM Naidu" (Published: Feb 2, 2026)
Context: Reports on Ambati Rambabu's judicial custody due to alleged abusive remarks against CM Naidu and the vandalism that followed by TDP supporters.
The Times of India: "Former minister Ambati Rambabu sent to 14-day judicial custody | Vijayawada News" (Published: Feb 1, 2026)
Context: Details the registration of two cases against Rambabu, his 14-day judicial remand, and arrangements for his transfer to Rajahmundry Central Jail.
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