Vijayawada, September 10: In a significant development, a court in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada has ordered the judicial custody of TDP supremo and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, until September 22, in connection with the Skill Development Corporation scam case.
The verdict was pronounced by the ACB Court after a day of intense deliberations and heightened tension. Naidu, who was apprehended by the CID on Saturday morning, is now slated to be transferred to Rajahmundry Central Jail.
This court ruling deals a substantial blow to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), whose members had anticipated a more favorable outcome. Following the judgment, Naidu’s legal team swiftly filed a bail petition, although it remains unclear whether the petition will be expedited for immediate review.
The courtroom arguments, which commenced at approximately 6 a.m., endured for nearly six hours. The prosecution sought a 15-day period of judicial custody for Naidu, while the TDP leader’s legal representatives vehemently opposed this request. The proceedings concluded around 3 p.m., leaving Naidu, his legal counsel, family members, and TDP associates in an anxious state as they awaited the verdict.
Naidu personally addressed the judge, denouncing his arrest as illegal and labeling it as a politically motivated act by the YSR Congress Party government. He alleged a breakdown of the rule of law in the state, asserting that the government was infringing upon the fundamental rights of its citizens. Furthermore, Naidu argued that the allocation of funds for skill development projects had been approved in the state budget for 2015-16, contending that the budget passed by the Assembly could not be deemed a criminal offense.
Representing Naidu, renowned Supreme Court lawyer Sidharth Luthra contended that the CID had failed to seek permission from the Governor before arresting the Leader of the Opposition. Additional Advocate General P. Sudhakar Reddy, arguing on behalf of the CID, presented prima facie evidence against Naidu.
