A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court against Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu, alleging obstruction of justice in corruption and money laundering cases. The petition seeks to transfer seven cases to the CBI, cites intimidation of complainants, and claims significant conflicts of interest, jeopardizing the integrity of the investigations and justice system.
New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court, accusing Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his government of systematically derailing investigations into several criminal cases involving allegations of corruption and money laundering. The plea demands the transfer of seven critical cases from the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing serious conflicts of interest and interference.
Key Allegations Against Andhra Government
The PIL, filed by a lawyer from Andhra Pradesh, alleges that the state administration is actively obstructing justice in cases implicating the Chief Minister and high-ranking officials. These include:
- AP Fibernet Limited Case
- Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) Case
- Inner Ring Road Case
- Two Assigned Lands Scam cases
The petition claims the CID has already filed charge sheets in five cases, while investigations in the remaining two are ongoing. However, it raises concerns about the accused holding influential positions over the investigating agencies, leading to what it describes as an “unprecedented conflict of interest.”
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Alleged Harassment and Evidence Tampering
The plea alleges harassment and intimidation of key complainants and witnesses. It cites specific examples, including:
- Suspension of a government employee who lodged a complaint in the AP Fibernet case.
- Filing of retaliatory FIRs against a complainant in the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) case.
According to the petitioner, investigating officers and witnesses are being pressured to alter their testimonies, and vital evidence is at risk of tampering due to administrative interference. Additionally, the Economic Offences Wing-II of the CID was sealed shortly after election results, preventing investigators from accessing crucial evidence.
Implications for Justice
The petition argues that the sanctioning authority for prosecution now lies with the accused, further complicating the integrity of ongoing investigations. This, the PIL contends, strikes at the core of the criminal justice system.
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The petition names 115 respondents, including the State of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and other individuals. It calls for:
- A Supreme Court directive to prevent the state government from obstructing investigations.
- Instructions to the ED to expedite pending investigations and file a supplementary complaint to the Special Court overseeing these cases.
Supreme Court Yet to Take Up the Case
The Supreme Court has not yet scheduled a hearing for the PIL. If accepted, the case could significantly impact the handling of corruption allegations and the balance of power in Andhra Pradesh’s administration.
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