KCR on Nayeem probe: Our cops able, no CBI

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday ruled out any CBI inquiry into gangster Nayeem case. Replying to the debate on the Nayeem issue in Legislative Assembly, Mr Rao said that the TS police was efficient, and was capable of taking the case to its logical conclusion. He emphasised that the credit of the case entirely goes to the state police.

Mr Rao said that the SIT set up by the government had made tremendous progress in the Nayeem investigation so far by filing 174 cases, arresting 124 accused and seizing lands with registration value of over Rs 143 crore over an extent of 1,015 acres. These lands were registered in the names of family members and friends of Nayeem. Besides, house sites to the extent of 1,67,000 sq. yd. and 27 residential houses were also seized.

“Chargesheets have been filed in the courts in two cases and another 15 are ready to be filed,” Mr Rao said, adding that as the criminal activities of the Nayeem gang had spread across TS and other states, the investigation is taking time. He stated the government will disclose the names of all those having links with Nayeem at an appropriate time. He said that he couldn’t do so at this time as the investigation was still underway. “We will not spare anyone involved with Nayeem, however big they are, irrespective of their political affiliations,” Mr Rao promised.

He also lashed out at the Opposition for accusing the TRS government of going slow on Nayeem case. “It’s the TD and Congress governments that encouraged Nayeem since 1990s for their selfish interests,” Mr Rao said. We tried to nab him alive but the police was forced to shoot him in self-defence after Nayeem and his gang opened fire,” Mr Rao said. Earlier, the entire Opposition demanded a CBI inquiry into the case, arguing that the SIT cannot probe the case as it had roots in seven other states too.

Assembly corridors empty during debate:

The discussion on gangster Nayeem episode in the House had everyone glued to their seats, so much so that even Assembly corridors were empty. While Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and members were inside the House, the staff and a majority of the security personnel were glued to the nearest TV sets in the chambers of ministers, media room and other places. During the debate that lasted over an hour, all corridors and canteen wore a deserted look.

“Everyone was keen to hear government stand against those involved in the Nayeem episode. Some expected the CM to name some politicians but this did not happen. But KCR assured he would not spare anyone, including ruling party leaders, if they are involved,” a TRS MLA said. However, Congress MLA T. Jeevan Reddy said, “CM is hesitant to take action against ruling party leaders. If he takes action against the Opposition, he will be accused of bias. But he has to act.”