“In a significant development, the Vijayawada ACB Court has decided to extend the judicial custody of former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu until September 24. The extension comes in light of the alleged Skill Development Corporation scam. Mr. Naidu, who had seen his initial custody period end on Friday, appeared before the judge virtually from Rajahmundry Central Jail, where he expressed his dissatisfaction with his arrest.
During the virtual hearing, the judge sought Mr. Naidu’s response to the Crime Investigation Department’s (CID) petition requesting his custody. In his response, Mr. Naidu maintained that his arrest was unjust and claimed that he was enduring mental anguish while incarcerated. He implored the judge to safeguard his rights, emphasizing that he had been arrested without prior notice and solely on the basis of allegations.
Mr. Naidu, drawing attention to his 45-year-long political career and the developmental strides made by the state during his tenure as chief minister, expressed his disappointment at the situation. The judge, acknowledging that Mr. Naidu was in judicial custody, inquired about the conditions and facilities provided in the jail.
The court is expected to issue further orders regarding the CID’s petition for a five-day custody of Mr. Naidu to facilitate additional questioning in the case. The CID had taken Mr. Naidu into custody on September 9, relating to the alleged scam that transpired during his tenure as chief minister. Subsequently, the Vijayawada ACB Court had remanded him to judicial custody until September 22, after which he was transferred to Rajahmundry Central Jail.
Additionally, the court is anticipated to address the CID’s petitions for Mr. Naidu’s custody in two other cases: the Amaravati Inner Ring Road case and the AP FiberNet case. In both instances, the CID has sought PT (production of the accused) warrants against Mr. Naidu.