Andhra Pradesh's former CM Chandrababu Naidu arrested in skill development scam case

Andhra Pradesh's former CM Chandrababu Naidu arrested in skill development scam case

Andhra Pradesh's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Nandyal. 

CBI officials issued an arrest warrant for Naidu late last night, but faced resistance from furious TDP supporters. This resulted in registration of cases against him under various sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Prevention of Corruption Act-1988.

Accused No. 1: Chandrababu Naidu

Chandrababu Naidu finds himself at the center of this explosive scam, he is referred to as "accused number one". He is facing serious allegations of corruption and misleading the cabinet in a matter that has sent shockwaves across Andhra Pradesh. At the core of the Skill Development Corporation scam, Rs 371 crore of government funds are involved in misappropriation. It is a scheme that has shaken the entire state.

A Multidimensional Investigation

Government agencies such as GST, Intelligence, IT, ED and SEBI have conducted a thorough investigation into this scam. Notably, the authorities have successfully repatriated looted money stashed abroad. The scam came to light in June 2014, just two months after Chandrababu Naidu took over. The total cost of the project in question is Rs. 3,356 crore, of which the government will contribute 10 per cent and Siemens has committed 90 per cent funding. Siemens, a key player in the dispute, conducted an internal inquiry and made a statement under section 164 of the CrPC before a magistrate, asserting that their company had no involvement in joint ventures (JVOs) or MoUs issued by the government.

Allegations of ignoring procedures

One of the central issues in this case revolves around a note on skill development in which the estimated cost has been presented in the form of a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which was tabled in the Cabinet, bypassing established government procedures. This irregularity, coupled with speedy approval and fund disbursement, raises serious questions on adherence to rules, regulations and due process. Further, discrepancies emerged between the contract and the government order as funds were released without a clear agreement. The allegations suggest that Naidu ordered the immediate release of funds even after Finance Department officials raised objections.

Shell companies and whistleblower alerts

Highlighting the further complication, it has been learned that over 70 transactions involving these funds were routed through shell companies. A whistleblower had already alerted the state Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) about this skill development scam. In addition, a government whistleblower had issued a similar warning in June 2018. Sadly, the initial investigation into these claims was reportedly closed, and disturbingly, files related to the project mysteriously went missing just as the investigation began.

The Skill Development Corporation scam is a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption, mismanagement and the need for accountability in public affairs. As soon as this matter came to light, the people of Andhra Pradesh are eagerly waiting for justice and a solution.

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