Cash-for-vote scam: N Chandrababu Naidu meets top officials for remedy

Hyderabad: AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu discussed with top officials several possible responses to legal action in the Revanth Reddy cash-for-vote scam and ways to tackle them. Among the questions discussed were, what if the notices served by the TS ACB are not accepted, and what to do if the ACB wants to record Mr Naidu’s voice. For the second day on Saturday, Mr Naidu held discussions with AP DGP J.V. Ramudu, Intelligence IG Anuradha and AP ACB director general Malakondaiah and other officials. According to sources, Mr Naidu asked the officials about the procedure the ACB follows in its investigation. Officials told Mr Naidu that the ACB would serve notices thrice. If the person is available, he would have to go to court and take legal recourse. If the addressee is absconding, the ACB will search for them.

Officials told Mr Naidu that it would be better to accept the notice and go to court and get a stay. They said that if the TS ACB proceeds legally, it would cause more damage.

However, some officials were of the view that accepting the ACB notice and going to court to get stay orders would appear like accepting the mistake.

Finally, Mr Naidu told the officials that a decision could be taken after some experts.

Mr Naidu said that if a party MLA commits a crime, the Telangana government could act according to law, but why were they dragging him into this episode.

Mr Naidu asked police officials to be ready with evidence of phone tapping if the Centre orders an inquiry. He also asked them to investigate how this episode came about, and who was behind it.

AP police officials will start counter investigation to gather material to take on the Telangana government on the phone tapping issue. Sources said if the situation warrants the AP government can challenge the Telangana government in the court.