Chandrababu Naidu 'Principal Conspirator' In Skill Development Corporation Scam: CID

Additional DGP N.Sanjay said that the alleged fraud revolves around establishment of clusters of Centers of Excellence in Andhra Pradesh

N Chandrababu Naidu was arrested by CBI in a corruption case

The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department on Saturday termed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party leader N Chandrababu Naidu as the “principal conspirator” in an alleged fraud case in Skill Development Corporation. The former Andhra Pradesh CM was arrested in the early hours of Saturday in connection with the case. Additional DGP N.Sanjay said that the alleged fraud revolves around establishment of clusters of Centers of Excellence in Andhra Pradesh with a total estimated project value at Rs 3,300 crores. 

"Today at around 6 am, CID special investigation team arrested prime accused former CM Chandrababu Naidu for the alleged involvement in the fraud in Skill Development Corporation,” Sanjay said. 

#WATCH | On the arrest of former Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, CID Additional DGP N.Sanjay, says, "Today at around 6 am, CID special investigation team arrested prime accused former CM Chandrababu Naidu for the alleged involvement in the fraud in Skill Development… pic.twitter.com/WSPE4Klk4g

— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2023

“This case revolves around the establishment of clusters of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in the state of Andhra Pradesh, with a total estimated project value of Rs 3,300 crores. The alleged fraud has caused a huge loss to the Government of Andhra Pradesh in excess of Rs 300 crores,” he added. 

“N Chandrababu Naidu is considered the principal conspirator behind the scheme, orchestrating the transfer of public funds to private entities via shell companies,” said the CID DIG. 

Naidu, who was arrested at around 6 am from R K Function Hall at Gnanapuram in Nandyala town, said he has done nothing wrong and the YSR Congress Party just wants to create fear.

"I want to inform party caders I have done nothing wrong; they intentionally wanted to arrest me. Prima facie, there is no case. I asked the officials about my role; even the FIR didn't mention it. They (the YSRCP) wanted to create fear, so they are doing it," Naidu said.

Naidu has been arrested under Indian Penal Code Sections 166, 167, 418, 420, 465, 468, 471, 409, 201 R/W 109, 34&37 amid protests by party workers. Party leaders criticised the police for the late-night action against the senior leaders, and reportedly some party workers were also detained by the police