TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu Arrested In Corruption Case

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Saturday arrested former Andhra Chief Minister and TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Nandyala.

The former CM was arrested by the CID around 6 am from R K Function Hall at Gnanapuram in Nandyala town, an official told PTI.

In a notice served to Naidu, the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the CID's Economic Offences Wing (EOW), 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 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has been arrested under relevant IPC sections, including Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 465 (forgery), according to the notice. The Andhra Pradesh CID has also invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act against him. The notice was served under CrPC Section 50 (1) (2).

High drama unfolded in Nandyal when a group of police officers arrived in the area during the early hours of Saturday to apprehend the TDP leader. As per the party, the police will take Chandrababu to Vijayawada by flight from Orvakal Airport.

The TDP Chief opposed his arrest as the arrest was initiated without showing 'evidence for allegations' and he told them he would only cooperate if only shown the evidence.

"I did not commit any malpractice or corruption. CID arrested me without any proper information and I asked them to show the evidence but they refused to show and attached my name to the FIR without my role," said N Chandrababu Naidu ahead of going into police custody.

"CID has taken Chandrababu for a medical check-up after high Blood Pressure and diabetes were detected. We are approaching the High Court for bail," the legal counsel of the TDP Chief told ANI.

On the arrest of the former Andhra Pradesh CM, TDP spokesman Kommareddy Pattabhiram said, "From yesterday night the Andhra Pradesh police & CID started the process of illegally arresting Chandrababu Naidu. 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...Chandrababu Naidu came out of the bus & asked a simple question 'What grounds are you arresting me?'...The police had no answer...For the past two years, the skill development case drama has been going on & just before the elections, they have carried out this arrest just to brand Chandrababu Naidu as some kind of a corrupt politician...People know that it is Jagan Mohan Reddy who is the most corrupt politician in the entire country..."