N Chandrababu Naidu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, was apprehended today on corruption allegations and subsequently relocated to Vijayawada.
The arrest of the TDP leader is related to an alleged scam of ₹317 crore involving the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation during his tenure. The organization was established during the TDP’s governance to provide skill training to young individuals.
Early this morning, Mr. Naidu was taken into custody by officers from the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department following a dramatic series of events that unfolded after midnight.
Late last night, officers arrived at a function hall in Nandyal and presented Mr. Naidu with an arrest warrant. However, they were unable to detain him due to protests by supporters of the TDP leader. A minor altercation ensued between the police and Mr. Naidu’s supporters during the confrontation. Mr. Naidu has asserted that there is no evidence against him, questioning, “Show me where my name is. How can they arrest me without basic evidence?”
As TDP supporters challenged the police during the altercation, the officers stated that they possessed evidence and that the remand report contained all the necessary information.
In the notice served to Mr. Naidu, senior officer of CID’s Economic Offences Wing, M Dhanunjayudu, informed him of his arrest at 6 am at R K Function Hall, Gnanapuram, H/o Moolasagaram, Nandyala town, citing a non-bailable offense.
The former Chief Minister is facing charges under sections pertaining to criminal conspiracy, cheating, dishonestly inducing delivery of property, and section 465. The Prevention of Corruption Act has also been invoked.
Following his arrest, a post on Mr. Naidu’s official social media account conveyed his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Telugu. The message read, “For the past 45 years, I have selflessly served Telugu people. I am prepared to sacrifice my life to safeguard the interests of Telugu people. No force on earth can stop me from serving Telugu people, my #AndhraPradesh, and my motherland.”
Mr. Naidu’s arrest follows his recent statement in which he anticipated potential arrest and possible acts of aggression against him. During a public gathering in Anantapur district, the TDP leader remarked, “Today or tomorrow they could arrest me. They may even attack me. Not one, they will do many atrocities.”
