Arrest of Chandrababu Naidu: Unraveling the Multi-Crore Skill Development Scam

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had previously expressed concerns about the possibility of his arrest.

N Chandrababu Naidu, the president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, was arrested in connection with a multi-crore scam involving the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC). Several TDP leaders were also placed under house arrest following Naidu’s arrest.

A substantial police force, led by Nandyal range DIG Raghurami Reddy and the Crime Investigation Department (CID), arrived at RK Function Hall while Naidu was in his caravan. TDP supporters gathered in large numbers and resisted the police, with SPG forces initially preventing access to Naidu.

Ultimately, at around 6 am, the police succeeded in arresting the TDP leader, and he is currently being transported to Vijayawada. Naidu was arrested on non-bailable charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

This arrest comes shortly after Naidu predicted his potential arrest during a public interaction in Anantapur district, where he alleged that he could even face physical attacks.

In March, the Crime Investigation Department of the Andhra Pradesh police initiated an investigation into an alleged scam worth ₹3,300 crore in the APSSDC during the previous Telugu Desam Party regime. The investigation followed notices issued to Arja Srikanth, a former Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer who served as the CEO of APSSDC in 2016, based on statements from an accused turned approver and depositions by three IAS officers.

The APSSDC was established during the TDP government’s tenure in 2016 to provide skill training to unemployed youth. The investigation revealed various irregularities, including the lack of a standard tendering process, bypassing cabinet approval, misappropriation of funds, and the diversion of government-allocated funds to shell companies through hawala transactions. Siemens Industry Software India, which was part of the project, also faced internal inquiries into its involvement.

Naidu’s arrest is a significant development in this ongoing investigation into the alleged scam involving the APSSDC.