Chandrababu Naidu orchestrated multi-crore skill development scam, claims Andhra CID

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's troubles are appearing to be far from over, after the probe against him in an alleged multi-crore skill development scam was initiated. Following his arrest in the case, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) has now claimed that Chandrababu Naidu was the prime conspirator in the alleged scam. Andhra Pradesh CID Chief N Sanjay on Sunday briefed that the then CM Naidu had orchestrated the scam.

Addressing a press gathering on Sunday, the CID chief stated that the Andhra Pradesh skill development scam involves siphoning off 371 crore of the government funds to a company without any nomination. As per allegations, the state government had allocated money to the company named Siemens. 

Alleged scam involves an amount of Rs 371 crore, claims CID

According to the investigating agency, out of the total amount of Rs 371 crore, Rs 241 crore was further siphoned off to various private entities. The entire scam happened with the 90-10 funding formula between the state government and the alleged company. The money was allegedly disbursed through a nomination process, bypassing the standard procedures. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also taken the matter into consideration. 

The CID official added that the Siemens company has meanwhile distanced itself by claiming that its headquarters are in Germany. The official said, “Funds were distributed to multiple individuals who purportedly provided training services. Chandrababu Naidu, the then chief minister had played a pivotal role in framing the entire act of corruption. Both he and his then-skill development minister presented false projections to the Council of Ministers."

The probe agency further stated that the alleged fund was released between January 2015 and March 2018. A case was registered in the matter in the year 2020 and a probe was initiated. During the investigation, it came to fore that the training of the youths continued without the help of Siemens company. It is being claimed that a specific department was created exclusively for one person and was given all the powers. 

It is being said that Siemens has come up saying that they have nothing to do with the alleged scam. The former Managing Director of the company has clearly denied any corruption, saying that it was one of the finest pieces of the project with 100% transparency throughout the project. Adding that there were no shell companies, he questioned the probe proceedings. 

Notably, Chandrababu Naidu was earlier arrested in the said scam and has been sent to judicial custody till September 23. Further inquiry in the matter is being undertaken.