Chandrababu Naidu, former Andhra Pradesh CM, and TDP chief arrested for corruption in Vijayawada.

Vijayawada: Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu was arrested by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in the early hours of Saturday. The arrest is in connection with the alleged skill development scam case. The CID had registered an FIR on December 9, 2021, naming 25 persons as accused, but Naidu was not named in the FIR. However, the CID claimed that Naidu is being arrested based on the details revealed in the investigation.

CID Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), M Dhanunjayudu served a notice to Naidu under 50(1) of CrPC stating that he has been arrested in crime number 29/2021 registered under various sections of IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act. The arrest took place at the campsite where Naidu was staying in a bus as part of the TDP’s mass contact program ‘Babu Surety – Bhavisyathu ki Guarantee’. Naidu is being shifted to Vijayawada from Nandyal, and several TDP leaders across the state have been put under house arrest.

Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh, who is on a padayatra, was also not allowed to come to Vijayawada. Naidu has denied any wrongdoing and stated that the police did not provide any evidence of his involvement. He appealed to the people and party cadre to maintain peace and calm, expressing confidence that justice will prevail.

The arrest of N Chandrababu Naidu has sparked political reactions in Andhra Pradesh. TDP leaders have condemned the arrest and accused the ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) of indulging in political vendetta. YSRCP leaders, on the other hand, have justified the arrest, stating that it is based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.

The skill development scam case relates to alleged irregularities in the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC). It is alleged that the corporation awarded contracts to ineligible agencies, causing financial loss to the state exchequer. The CID has been investigating the case for several months and has already arrested several individuals in connection with the scam.

The arrest of a prominent political leader like N Chandrababu Naidu is likely to have significant implications in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds and what impact it will have on the upcoming elections in the state.