AP skill development scam: Chandrababu Naidu gets 4-week interim bail
What's the story
The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday reportedly granted four-week interim bail on medical grounds to former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in a corruption case. The jailed Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief is likely to be released on Tuesday evening. The case concerns an alleged multi-crore Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) scam, in which Naidu was indicted and arrested last month.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Naidu was arrested on September 9 and lodged in the Rajamahendravaram Central Prison for alleged involvement in the APSSDC scam. However, the TDP termed it a politically motivated move by AP's YSR Congress government. It observed a state-wide bandh last month and has held protests. Subsequently, Naidu's counsel sought his release on medical grounds and claimed he was facing a life threat in jail.
Details
Naidu alleged threat to life in Rajamahendravaram jail
On Monday, the HC reserved its order on Naidu's interim bail after his counsel informed it he had to undergo cataract surgery. The court reportedly posted his regular bail plea hearing on November 10. Meanwhile, Naidu alleged a threat to his life in the Rajamahendravaram jail in a letter to an ACB judge detailing violations and threat perceptions he has witnessed in the prison.
Details
Naidu accused in Rs. 371cr APSSDC scam
Naidu has been booked in connection with the multi-crore corruption in APSSDC and subsequently presented in the Vijayawada Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court. The alleged scam took place during Naidu's tenure as the CM. The AP Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) accused him of being the main conspirator of the alleged scam involving the transfer of Rs. 371 crore of government funds to shell companies.
Reports
More about allegations against Naidu
The CID's remand report previously stated that Naidu was also involved in the forgery of certain documents, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy, among other things, as part of the purported scam. Reportedly, the TDP chief was arrested on non-bailable charges under Sections 34, 37, 167, 166, 120(8), 201, 409, 418, 471, 465, 420, and 468 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Another case
TDP chief faces new corruption case involving liquor licenses
Meanwhile, the CID has reportedly registered another case against Naidu with allegations of issuing illegal licenses to liquor companies in his government. According to NDTV, the case against him has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The CID filed a plea to launch an inquiry regarding this case in the ACB court, and the court allowed the hearing on this petition.