Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has been placed in judicial custody with prisoner number 7691. He is currently confined to a special cell within Rajahmundry Central Jail.
This move comes after a Vijayawada court ordered a 14-day judicial remand for Naidu in connection with the alleged skill development scam.
At the court's directive, prison authorities have taken special precautions to ensure Naidu's safety. He has been provided with a dedicated room in the 'Sneha' block of the central jail, along with home-cooked meals, required medications, and heightened security measures due to concerns for his well-being.
Notably, Naidu has Z-Plus category security, although National Security Guard (NSG) commandos are not permitted inside the prison premises.
Lawyers representing TDP (Telugu Desam Party) leader Naidu have filed a petition in the Vijayawada ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau) court, requesting permission for NSG commandos to accompany him, citing his enhanced security status.
Meanwhile, the TDP has called for a state-wide shutdown in protest of Naidu's arrest and subsequent judicial custody. Judge Himabindu of Vijayawada ACB Court, while hearing the case, ordered Chandrababu Naidu to be sent to judicial custody for 14 days.
This development follows Naidu's arrest by the CID (Crime Investigation Department) in connection with alleged irregularities in land deals related to the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), estimated to be worth over 3,300 crore rupees.
Authorities assert that the state government incurred substantial financial losses exceeding 300 crores due to these alleged fraudulent activities.