Jerusalem offered me Rs 2 crore: Elvis Stephenson

Hyderabad: In his statement, nominated MLA Elvis Stephenson said: “Jerusalem offered me Rs 2 crore to abstain from the MLC elections and a ticket to leave the country.” Then, he said, one Anthony turned up at his house and introduced himself and his friend, Bishop Harry Sebastian. “He informed me that Mr Naidu had sent him for my cooperation... they offered Rs 2 crore and a family ticket to go to Israel on pilgrimage. They offered Rs 5 crore if I vote in favour of the TD MLC candidate,” he said.

Mr Stephenson told them he would consider their offer, but wrote to ACB DGP A.K Khan and lodged a complaint with ACB DSP Ashok Kumar. Jerusalem followed up on the deal. “On May 29 I received a message on WhatsApp saying ‘Praise Jesus brother Elvis. Bishop Sebastian of Christian Minority Cell wants to know the decision’,” he said. He contacted Mr Sebastian and told him that he would speak only to a responsible functionary. “Sebastian replied that the matter would be dealt by MLA Revanth Reddy.”

The next day, Mr Sebastian called him and said he and Mr Revanth Reddy would visit his house. Mr Stephenson informed the ACB, which set up an iPhone near the TV set in the sitting room. “I was told that Chandrababu Naidu will accommodate me as nominated MLA in the AP Assembly or they will accommodate me in the Centre in any Christian minority post,” he said. “Revanth Reddy also told me he would take me to Chandrababu Naidu.. but I refused.”

Mr Revanth Reddy asked Mr Stephenson to quote his price and he would convey it to Mr Naidu who would “decide the amount personally.” Mr Stephenson said he mentioned Rs 5 crore.

“At 4 pm on May 30, Sebastian called me over phone and informed me that Mr Naidu wants to speak to me and gave the phone to Mr Naidu who... told me that ‘Mavallu’ briefed him about the deal and that I should not worry and that he is with me and they accepted what I proposed and that it is his commitment and that we will work together and assured to give me '5 crore and that he would take care of me.”

Revanth Reddy said he would come with the advance of Rs 50 lakh. At 3.20 pm Sebastian called suggested a change of venue. The house of the mother of Malcom Taylor, Mr Stephenson friend, was selected. He informed the ACB who set up recording equipment.

“A man with a black bag came after some time and Revanth Reddy lifted the bag and told the person to open the same and put money on a teapoy. Then he took out the bundles of Rs 500 denomination notes. Revanth Reddy left saying he was busy and to discuss with Harry. Meanwhile the officials of ACB brought in Revanth Reddy.”