Naidu gets clean chit in AP Skill Development case: Court backs CID findings, drops proceedings
Based on the CID’s submission, the court ordered the closure of proceedings against Naidu and 36 other accused named in the case
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu
Amaravati: In a major legal relief to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, a Vijayawada court has ordered the closure of the case filed against him in the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) funds misappropriation case.
As per the case details, it was earlier alleged that the loss to the state exchequer in the case was over Rs 300 crore.
ACB court accepts CID findings
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court accepted a memo filed by the Andhra Pradesh CID stating that its investigation found no evidence linking CM Naidu to the alleged irregularities.
Based on the CID’s submission, the court ordered the closure of proceedings against Naidu and 36 other accused named in the case.
CID finds no role of CM Naidu in alleged misuse of public funds
Andhra Pradesh Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas told the court that the CID, after examining records and approvals, concluded that the Chief Minister had no role in the alleged misuse of public funds. The judicial officer accepted the CID memo and formally closed the cases, he said.
What is the AP Skill Development Corporation case about?
The case related to projects executed by the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation, which was established to provide skill training to unemployed youth and set up skill development centres across the state.
The CID had earlier alleged procedural violations in the formation of the corporation and approval of funds for the project.
CM Naidu’s arrest and time in jail
CM Naidu was arrested on September 9, 2023, during the tenure of then Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in connection with the APSSDC case.
He spent over 50 days in judicial custody at Rajamahendravaram Central Prison before securing bail from the AP High Court on October 31, 2023.
CID withdraws allegations of CM Naidu’s involvement
Initially, the CID had claimed that CM Naidu was a central figure in the case, alleging that procedures were violated and pointing to documents bearing his signature. However, after further investigation, the agency withdrew its allegations, stating that there was no substance to establish his involvement.
Significant legal relief
The court’s order brings an end to one of the most high-profile cases against CM Chandrababu Naidu and is seen as a major legal relief, closing a chapter that had significant political and legal ramifications in Andhra Pradesh.
Skill scam case closure is an abuse of power: YSRCP’s Sailajanath
Meanwhile, YSRCP PAC member and former minister Sake Sailajanath on Tuesday strongly criticised the closure of the AP Skill Development case against Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, terming it unconstitutional and a serious threat to democratic institutions.
‘Abuse of power to close cases’
Speaking to the media at the YSRCP office in Anantapur, Sailajanath alleged that CM Naidu was misusing his position to systematically get criminal cases against him closed.
He claimed that after the closure of the FiberNet and liquor-related cases, the Skill Development case had now been shut despite what he described as substantial evidence and judicial remand.
Skill scam involved misuse of Rs 371 crore: Sailajanath
The YSRCP leader said Rs 371 crore of public money was allegedly diverted through shell companies in the Skill Development scam. He recalled that CM Naidu was arrested and sent to judicial custody, while Central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, had registered cases, arrested accused persons and seized assets.
He further pointed out that Siemens had publicly stated it had no role in the project. “If the CID earlier collected evidence and the ED pursued cases, are all those investigations now being declared false?” he asked.
‘Dangerous precedent’
Sailajanath alleged that after returning to power, CM Naidu was pressuring institutions, influencing witnesses and neutralising cases one after another. Allowing a Chief Minister to oversee and close cases against himself, he said, amounted to a direct violation of constitutional principles.
Governor and High Court asked to intervene
The former minister urged the Governor and the High Court to intervene immediately to safeguard constitutional institutions and uphold the rule of law.
He asserted that the YSR Congress Party would continue its legal battle against the closure of the Skill Development case.
