'Attempt was made to kill me': Naidu demands CBI probe into Punganur incident

Vizianagaram: TDP national president Nara Chandrababu Naidu claimed that an attempt was made to kill him and demanded a high-level probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On Wednesday, Annamayya police booked Naidu and 15 others for stone pelting and clashes that occurred at Punganur town in the Chittoor district.

He is accused of provoking the TDP cadres and being involved in a criminal conspiracy. A total of 7 FIRs have been filed, and 245 people have been booked in the case. So far 72 have been arrested.

In the FIR, Chandrababu Naidu is A1, TDP leader Devineni Uma is A2, Amaranadha Reddy is A3, and Rambhopal Reddy is A4.

On August 4, a clash broke out between the YSRCP and the TDP supporters when Chandrababu Naidu was traveling to the Punganur constituency to deliver a scheduled public address.

Talking to media persons at Vizianagaram, Naidu asked how dare the state government filed a case against him. "I was attacked by some goons and again the case is also filed against me. By filing false cases against the TDP cadre, the Chief Minister, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is trying to get benefits in the coming election," said Naidu.

He presented all the visuals of the Chittoor incidents at the media conference and how the police failed to prevent these attacks.

"I have been traveling across the state as part of the Yudha Bheri program to inform the people about the corruption, injustice, destruction, and devastation caused to the irrigation projects. As part of the programme, I was in Angallu village where I was attacked and an attempt to murder case is registered against me," Naidu said.

He accused a local minister and his brother of hatching a conspiracy and filing a case against him.

Naidu said the contract works for a parallel canal to Handri-Neeva are awarded to the PLR Company belonging to Minister Ramachandra Reddy. “When I went to oversee the ongoing works the local farmers complained to me that the officials with the help of the police have forcibly taken their lands without rehabilitating them. While I was returning, the YSRCP cadres created hurdles and tried to kill me. Already by that time, my Chief Security Officer (CSO) had informed the district Superintendent of Police (SP),” he said.

Pointing out that he is under National Security Guard (NSG) security, Naidu asked whether he should run away from there when the goondas (YSRCP men ) are attacking him. "What will be the fate of the state if I, as a former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition runs away from there," he questioned.

It has become a habit for these people to kill someone and in return file cases against victims. Naidu remarked in an oblique reference to the ruling YSRCP.

Naidu felt that the facts would come to light only when a CBI inquiry is ordered. He also demanded an investigation of all the incidents that have taken place in various parts of the state.