NEW DELHI: On Monday, the Andhra Pradesh High Court granted regular bail to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in connection with the Rs 371 crore skill development scam case. Naidu, who had been on a four-week interim bail citing health reasons, is set to undergo cataract surgery.
Naidu’s arrest was related to his alleged involvement in the Rs 371 crore Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation scam. Naidu, accused number 37 in the case, was implicated by the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department as the prime mover, conspirator, and beneficiary of the alleged Rs 371 crore scam in the skill development corporation.
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His appearance at the ACB court on September 10, marked a significant development. Subsequently, he was remanded in custody for 14 days, leading to his transfer to the Central Jail in Rajamahendravaram for ongoing legal proceedings.
However, as advocates emphasised his health condition, the court, considering humanitarian aspects, granted temporary bail to Naidu on health grounds. After spending a total of 52 days in judicial custody, a turning point occurred on October 31, when he was granted interim bail.
Meanwhile, the arrest of the former CM by the Criminal Investigation Department had triggered political unrest in the state, resulting in violent clashes between TDP supporters and the police. Party leaders criticised Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and his government, terming the situation a “witch hunt.”
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