Hero for some, villian for others: Raju gets hailed, booed

Hyderabad: Several people from B Ramalinga Raju's village shouted slogans in support of the disgraced Satyam Computer Services founder, while angry investors wanted to see him behind bars: that was scene on Saturday outside the house of the magistrate who sent Raju to jail for two weeks.

Utter chaos prevailed outside the West Maredpally residence of the magistrate who remanded B Ramalinga Raju and his brother B Rama Raju to judicial custody for two weeks.

A few well-wishers of Ramalinga Raju had come all the way from Bheemavaram in West Godavari district to show solidarity with him. "We have come from Bheemavaram to show our support for Raju because he has done a lot for people in our villages," said Ramesh Verma, an agriculturist.

However, some investors showed their anger for the Rs 7000-cr fraud he has admitted to.

"Shame on you" was written on a placard carried by a protester near the main gate of the Judges Quarters in West Maredpally. "I may not be an investor but as a common man I have come here to see this man (Ramalinga Raju) being sent to jail," he said.

"He brought many laurels to the state including this one (the fraud)," he remarked sarcastically.

As the camera persons were busy focusing on this man, a group started raising slogans of "We support Raju".

"Everybody has forgotten all the good work done by Raju. How can we forget 108 ambulance services. People in rural areas were immensely benefited by this," said M.S. Verma.

There was mild tension when a supporter of Raju started abusing mediapersons. He alleged that the media was targeting Raju by blowing things out of proportion. He had a heated argument with some reporters and the police had to intervene to defuse the situation.

The supporters defended Raju saying the fraud he had admitted was to help the company and not to benefit himself.

At this point a shareholder intervened to question their support for Raju. "Raju may be a good man for you but his actions have caused huge loss to me. I have lost Rs.100,000. Who will compensate me?" he asked.