Hyderabad:
N Chandrababu Naidu, chief of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, was arrested today over allegations of corruption and shifted to Vijayawada.
The TDP chief has been arrested in connection with an alleged scam of 317 crore in the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation during his tenure. The body was established during the TDP rule to provide skill training to youngsters.
Mr Naidu was taken into custody early this morning by officers of Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department following high drama after midnight.
Late last night, the officers reached a function hall at Nandyal and served an arrest warrant to Mr Naidu. However, they could not take him into custody as the TDP chief’s supporters protested.
A minor scuffle also broke out between the cops and Mr Naidu’s supporters. Mr Naidu has alleged that cops have no evidence. “Show me where my name is. How can they arrest me without basic evidence?”
As TDP supporters throw questions at cops during the altercation, the police officers are heard saying that they have evidence and that the remand report contains everything.
In the notice served to Mr Naidu, senior officer of CID’s Economic Offences Wing M Dhanunjayudu said, “It is to inform you that you have been arrested… at 6 am at R K Function Hall, Gnanapuram, H/o Moolasagaram, Nandyala town and it is a non-bailable offence.”
The former Chief Minister has been charged under sections for criminal conspiracy, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property and 465. The Prevention of Corruption Act has also been invoked.
Mr Naidu’s arrest comes days after he claimed that he could be arrested soon. At a public meeting in Anantapur district, the TDP chief said, “Today or tomorrow they could arrest me. They may even attack me. Not one, they will do many atrocities.”