CBI gets nod to probe TDP's Fibernet Project, Chandranna Kanukalu scheme

Vijayawada: In a significant development, the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, on 11 June, decided to allow the CBI to probe the alleged corruption scams and irregularities in the Fiber-net Project and Chandranna Kanuka Festivals launched by the former TDP government.

The Cabinet also approved a CBI probe into the tendering and procurement of ration supplies distributed to the poor as part of Chandranna Sankranthi Kanuka, Ramzan Thofa, and Christmas Kanuka, all schemes introduced by the TDP government led by Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The Cabinet sub-committee (CSC) found irregularities to the tune of Rs. 150 crore in the procurement of supplies for the three schemes.

The AP Cabinet held a meeting on Friday, Chaired by Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy. The Cabinet sub-committee, which has been looking into the scams and corruption of the previous government, submitted its report to the Cabinet. It recommended a CBI probe into the irregularities and the Cabinet gave its nod for the same.

Minister Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani) said the CSC found irregularities in the tendering and execution of the Central government-sponsored Fibernet Project. The TDP government had handed over the project to Vemuri Harikrishna, a close aide of Mr. Naidu. It had also awarded the tender to Tera Soft, which is not eligible to execute the project, he said.

The CSC also found irregularities in the procurement of set-top boxes. Instead of giving the contract to the lowest bidder, the TDP government had asked four companies, including Tera Soft, to supply the STBs and procured them only from Tera Soft. The CSC found irregularities to the tune of Rs. 250 crore in the Fibernet Project.

The CSC had earlier recommended a CBI probe into the alleged Amaravati land scams in the state citing the involvement of TDP leaders. However, the TDP had alleged that the state government was trying to take revenge on the party instead of focusing on the development of the state.