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Synopsis

The Andhra Pradesh government today informed the Supreme Court of India that Chandrababu Naidu's family members are seen making PUBLIC STATEMENTS about taking actions against certain government officials who are carrying out the investigation against Naidu, once they come back into power.

Court was hearing Andhra Pradesh government's petition challenging regular bail granted to former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the scam related to setting up of skill development centres.

A bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal was told that such statement were deeply distrubing.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi made these submissions while relying on an application seeking to add additional documents on record.

Court accordingly went on to grant 2 weeks to file counter in said application. The matter will now be heard on March 19.

In November 2023, the top court had issued notice in the said plea which challenged the High Court's November 20, 2023 order wherein it "has delved deep into facts of the case and has rendered findings that are not only factually incorrect but are also likely to prejudice the court below during the trial".

The state government has claimed that over the course of the investigation, the prosecution has obtained various account statements of the TDP Naidu's party, which show significant cash deposits that correspond to the time period where the misappropriated funds from the project were diverted. 

Naidu and other accused persons and witnesses are being examined to establish the nexus, the plea has contended.

The state government further states that the Income Tax Department has issued a notice of August 04, 2023 to Naidu, categorically noting that he ensured payment was made to shell companies by the main contractors executing works for the government, which would later be transferred in cash.

"It is pertinent to note that various external agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate are conducting their independent investigations into the subject crime. The Enforcement Directorate has instituted a complaint, and is taking steps to trace the money trail in the present scam," the plea claimed.

Andhra Pradesh has also said that the High Court has "completely erred in granting bail to Naidu, as being an influential person, he has ensured that two of his key associates, including a government servant, have already fled the country and therefore clearly obstructed the conduct of investigation.

Case Title: State of Andhra Pradesh vs Nara Chandrababu Naidu