Hyderabad: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has extended regular bail to N Chandrababu Naidu, the Leader of the Opposition and former chief minister, in the Skill Development Corporation case, after an earlier interim bail was granted on medical grounds.
Initially, on October 31, the high court provided Naidu with a four-week interim bail, allowing him medical treatment in Hyderabad. Now, this regular bail permits him to resume political activities starting November 29, reported The Indian Express.
Naidu, aged 73, had been apprehended by the Andhra Pradesh CID on September 9 over alleged involvement in a scam related to the AP Skill Development Corporation, during his tenure with the Telugu Desam Party from 2014 to 2019.
The CID's allegations against Naidu positioned him as the primary accused in a case reportedly involving the transfer of Rs 371 crore of government funds to shell companies. The FIR for this matter was filed on December 9, 2021, following which Naidu was taken into custody while touring Nandyal and subsequently interrogated in Vijayawada.
He was then remanded to judicial custody by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court in Vijayawada and housed in Rajamahendravaram Central Jail.
The conditions set forth during the interim bail period mandated Naidu to seek medical attention, particularly for cataract surgery in his right eye, undergo a comprehensive medical examination as advised by a panel of government and private doctors, and surrender by November 28.
However, with the recent grant of regular bail by the high court, the necessity of presenting himself before the authorities on November 28 has been negated.
While under the purview of the interim bail, directives were issued by the court, restricting Naidu from engaging in any political activities or delivering political speeches until November 28. Post this date, commencing November 29, he is free to partake in political endeavors without constraints.