After arresting TD supremo and former CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, he was produced before the ACB court in Vijayawada. The judge heard the arguments of the both the CID sleuths and the Naidu’s counsel Siddhartha Luthra.
Reportedly, Naidu argued for himself for nearly 5-10 minutes before the judge. He told the judge that he did not commit any mistake and that he was not involved in the skill development scam. The Cabinet decided to set up the Skill Development Corporation and criminal action cannot be initiated against government decisions.
The budget for skill development was included in the 2015-16 Budget and the Assembly approved it. Budget allocated by the Assembly cannot be questioned as criminal action. He also insisted that his name was not included in the FIR filed in connection with the case on December 9, 2021.
Since his arrest, Naidu had not been allowed to take rest at least in the night. He spent a sleepless night on Saturday after the CID sleuths began his interrogation in the evening and continued the grueling session till early morning on Sunday. The interrogation was conducted at the SIT office. Later, Naidu underwent medical tests at the government hospital.
Naidu’s wife Bhuvaneswari Devi became emotional witnessing her husband in the court this morning. Naidu’s son and former minister N. Lokesh also reached the court premises and held discussion with his father and the legal team about the case.
Meanwhile, Luthra’s argument continued for more than an hour during which he kept mentioning about the IPC sections and tried to make it clear that Naidu was just framed in the case because there was no mention of his name in the FIR. He also reminded that the court had completed hearing to the arguments of both the parties and that the verdict was reserved. All the accused were given bail. The case has been closed two years ago but it has been again opened by the YCP government only with an ulterior motive, Luthra said.
Naidu and Lokesh were found discussing with the lawyers outside the court. There was tension in the atmosphere at the ACB court with the TDP cadre and general public gathering at the place in large numbers, while a heavy contingent of police security was also posted on the premises.
In a couple of hours, the judge is expected to deliver the verdict.
