FibreNet Case: SC asks Police not to Arrest Naidu till verdict in SDC Scam

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Andhra Pradesh Police not to arrest TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in the FibreNet case until it delivers a verdict on the plea related to the Skill Development scam case.

A bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and Bela M Trivedi scheduled the anticipatory bail hearing of Naidu in the FibreNet Case on November 9 and informed the Andhra Pradesh Police to maintain the previous understanding.

The reference was made to the statement made by the Andhra Pradesh Police on October 13, in which they assured that they would not take Naidu into custody. Justice Bose suggested that, since the court’s decision on another plea was reserved, it would be more appropriate to address Naidu’s current plea after the verdict is delivered.

Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing Naidu, pointed out that the police were seeking his custody in the FibreNet case, even though he was already in custody in connection with the Skill Development scam case.

Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Andhra Pradesh government, stated that for Naidu’s custodial interrogation in the FibreNet case, they would request the court’s permission, as he was already in judicial custody in another case. He mentioned that the state had no objections to awaiting the court’s judgment.

The bench concurred, saying, “Let the earlier understanding continue,” and adjourned the matter. On October 13, the Andhra Pradesh Police had informed the Supreme Court that they would not arrest Naidu in the FiberNet case until October 18, given the pending petition related to the Skill Development Corporation scam in the apex court.

The FiberNet case involves alleged irregularities in the tendering process for awarding a work order under Phase-1 of the AP FiberNet Project, amounting to Rs 330 crore, to a favored company. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Andhra Pradesh Police has alleged irregularities in the project from the tender award to the project’s completion, resulting in a substantial loss to the state exchequer.

Naidu, aged 73, was arrested on September 9 for alleged misappropriation of funds from the Skill Development Corporation during his tenure as chief minister in 2015, resulting in a purported loss of Rs 371 crore to the state exchequer. He is currently in judicial remand at the Rajamahendravaram central prison.