Chandrababu Naidu Granted Regular Bail In Skill Development Case

Former Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu has been granted bail by the High Court in the skill development 'scam' case.

Former Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu.

Source : PTI

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu regular bail in the alleged skill development corporation scam case. Naidu was on interim bail till November 28. The High Court granted temporary bail to Naidu for four weeks, considering his medical condition and the need for cataract surgery. The court, however, asked Naidu to appear before the Superintendent of the central prison in Rajamahendravaram on or before Nov 28.

The TDP chief was released from Rajahmundry jail after 53 days. He was arrested in the alleged scam on September 9 that took place when he served as a CM. Later, Vijayawada ACB sent him to judicial custody and lodged him in Rajahmundry Central Prison.

Naidu expressed his gratitude to his supporters for demonstrating unwavering solidarity during his incarceration when he was released from jail. He said, “When I was in trouble, you all came on the roads and prayed for me. I will never forget the affection shown to me, not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in Telangana and across the world,” as reported by the news agency ANI.

As part of the bail conditions, Naidu was required to provide a bail bond of Rs.1,00,000 along with two sureties of the same amount, to the satisfaction of the trial Court. He was also asked to submit details of the treatment he received and the hospital where he underwent the procedure in a sealed cover to the Superintendent of the Central Prison upon his surrender.

"The interim bail granted to A37 (Naidu) dated October 31 is made absolute, and the petitioner (Naidu) is ordered to be released on regular bail on the bail bond already furnished by him," the court said in its order.

Naidu was arrested on September 9 and was granted interim bail on medical grounds on October 31.

The TDP chief was Naidu was arrested for the alleged misappropriation of funds from the Skill Development Corporation resulting in a purported loss of over Rs 300 crore to the state exchequer.