Chandrababu Seeks From ACB Court Z Category Security in Jail

 Kakinada: Imprisoned former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought from Special Judge for SPE (Special Police Establishment) and ACB cases-Cum-III Additional District Judge of Vijayawada foolproof security arrangements in and around the Central Prison in Rajamahendravaram, in commensurate with the Z category security cover provided to him owing to the threat to his life in jail from leftist wing extremists and those accused under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPA).

Naidu informed the ACB court that certain untoward incidents have occurred in and around the Central Prison in Rajamahendravaram in the recent past, which could endanger his life and limb despite being a Z category protectee.

He pointed out that when he had been sent to the Judicial Remand on the intervening night of September 10/11, some persons had unauthorisedly videographed and photographed him while entering the prison. Footage from within the prison complex has also been leaked and widely circulated on social media platforms. This shows that the security is lax, he contended.

The former chief minister pointed out that an anonymous letter has been received by East Godavari district superintendent of police stating left-wing extremists are planning to assassinate him in jail. However, police authorities have till now not made any attempt to enquire about the veracity of the said letter nor have taken steps to avert any unforeseen incident.

Naidu pointed out that a remand prisoner in an NDPS case from S. Kota village had been found roaming in the prison with a pen camera, capturing pictures of the prisoners inside. He said 750 of 2,200 prisoners lodged inside the Central Prison have been charged with NDPS offences, who pose a grave threat to his security.

He further said it came to his notice that a drone had been flown over the Central Prison, Rajamahendravaram, by some unidentified people to capture his movements with a sinister design. Another drone had been flown over the main gate of the Central Prison on October 6 to capture the images of his family members.

The former CM said despite such alarming instances, police have not taken any counter measures.

He pointed out that when YSRC assumed power, it had scaled down Naidu’s security cover with effect from June 6, 2019. It had been restored on June 25, 2019 following the intervention of AP High Court.

Chandrababu Naidu has cited date-wise examples of untoward incidents against him:

* 28-11-2019: Ruling party cadres pelted stones and chappals, among others, at his bus.

* 4-11-2022: Stones had been hurled against him when he visited Nandigama. His chief security officer sustained injuries.

* 21-4-2023: His NSG commando received bleeding injuries when stones had been thrown at him when he toured Yerragondapalem in Prakasam district.

* 4-8-2023: YSRC cadres brutally attacked TD workers when he was on tour of irrigation projects in Annamayya district. But police booked a case against him under section 307.