Former Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu arrested in corruption case

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is presently interrogating Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in connection with a corruption case amounting to Rs 300 crore after making an arrest. He was arrested by the CID around 6 am from R K Function Hall at Gnanapuram in Nandyala town.

Naidu later tweeted saying no force on earth can stop from serving the Telugu people, Andhra Pradhesh and his motherland.

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh Police detained his son Nara Lokesh in the East Godavari district. “The police stopped Lokesh, saying that he should not go to Chandrababu,” the TDP alleged. Lokesh is seen protesting against his father’s arrest, while party leaders claimed that Naidu’s arrested is “illegal”.

Chandrababu Naidu’s counsel said the CID has taken him for a medical check-up after high blood pressure and diabetes were detected. “We are approaching the high court for bail,” the counsel said.

Meanwhile, Naidu’s arrest sparked protest at the Annapurna Sarukulu centre in Tirupati. Visuals shared by news agency ANI showed people raising slogans and burning a tyre in the area.

Why was Naidu arrested?

According to reports, Chandrababu Naidu was arrested in connection with the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation scam.

A notice served to the former chief minister read: “It is to inform you that you have been arrested…U/s (under section) 120(B), 166, 167, 418, 420, 465, 468, 471, 409, 201, 109 r/w 34 & 37 IPC and Sec 12, 13 (2) r/w 13 (1) (c) and (d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1998 of CID.”

It said it is a non-bailable offence and so, Naidu cannot be released on bail. However, “it is further informed yo you that you may seek bail through court only”, the notice read.

Illegal arrest?

As police arrived to arrest Naidu, the TDP chief questioned police’ action against him “without any evidence”. Since his name is not in the FIR, he demanded to tell why he is being arrested. Police reportedly informed that Naidu is the 37th accused in this scam case.

TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu arrested (Credit: TDP on X)

The TDP also alleged that its national president was “illegally arrested”… “while (he was) resting in a bus”. TDP spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhiram said the Andhra Pradesh police and the CID started the process of “illegally arresting Chandrababu Naidu” on Friday night.

“Hundreds of policemen gathered outside the campsite of Chandrababu Naidu…They have illegally detained all the leaders who were staying at the campsite with Chandrababu Naidu…,” he alleged.

“Chandrababu Naidu came out of the bus & asked a simple question ‘What grounds are you arresting me?’…The police had no answer…,” the spokesperson said.

He said that the people know that it is Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, “who is the most corrupt politician in the entire country…”

Naidu has received support from some of his allies as well. RJD’s Manoj Jha attacked Andhra government saying, “A new trend has started in this country where you go to extremes because you have political differences. Chandrababu Naidu is not only a former chief minister but has played a key role in the formation of modern Andhra Pradesh.”

What did the CID say

CID Additional GDP N Sanjay said Naidu possesses exclusive knowledge regarding the transactions leading to the issuance of government orders and MoUs, which makes him a central figure in the investigation.

He said Naidu orchestrated Rs 500 crore Skill Development Corporation fraud

Chaos ensues

The TDP shared some visuals on its social media handle on X showing chaos at the location where Naidu was staying. The party shared a video of police “knocking” on the door of the bus where Naidu was stationed. It also alleged that, “The police did not answer the questions of the leaders and advocates.”

(Credit: TDP on X)

Ina series of tweets, the party asked, “Will you arrest a former chief minister without even telling why he is being arrested?” It added, “We are with you sir… The people are your fortress. We will fight. We will win.”

Meanwhile, TDP MLAs Gottipati Ravi and Anagani Satya Prasad were detained at Gannavaram airport.

Chandrababu knew about the arrest

Chandrababu Naidu had anticipated his arrested. During an interaction with the public at Rayadurgam in Anantapur district on September 6, the TDP supremo said, “Today or tomorrow they (YSRCP government) could arrest me. They may even attack me. Not one, they will do many atrocities.

To face this kind of “atrocious regime”, he called on at least one person from each household to make “sacrifices” for the state and move forward, new agency PTI reported.