Date: October 16, 2024

Chandrababu Receives Clean Chit in AP Skill Development Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made significant progress in the ongoing AP Skill Development case, primarily focusing on Siemens. Meanwhile, the ED has cleared Chandrababu Naidu, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, from any involvement, stating that there is no evidence linking him to the case.

ED Investigation Clears Chandrababu Naidu on AP Skill Development Case

The ED has officially stated that Chandrababu Naidu has no connection to the alleged irregularities and corruption in the AP Skill Development project. The authorities confirmed that the investigation revealed no direct or indirect involvement of Naidu or his government in the misuse of funds. This clears any suspicions surrounding his administration’s role in the controversy.

The AP Crime Investigation Department (CID) initially filed the case, accusing Design Tech Systems Pvt Ltd and Siemens of misusing project funds intended for skill development in the state. However, the ED’s investigation found no evidence implicating Naidu, focusing instead on individuals directly associated with the funds’ diversion.

Siemens Under Scrutiny for Misappropriation

The investigation spotlighted the involvement of key individuals, including Vikas Vinayak Khanvelkar, Soumyadri Shekhar Bose, Mukul Chandra Agarwal, and Suresh, who were linked to Siemens and Design Tech Systems Pvt Ltd.

As a result, the ED has attached assets worth Rs. 23.54 crores, which include real estate, shares, bank deposits, and fixed deposits belonging to Siemens. These assets are located in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune. The ED submitted the findings, along with the asset attachments, to the court in Visakhapatnam.

Focus Shifts to Siemens and Other Individuals

With Chandrababu Naidu receiving a clean chit, the focus of the investigation has shifted to Siemens and the accused individuals. The ED is continuing its probe into the extent of the fund misappropriation and is working to recover the diverted money. As the case unfolds, it is clear that Naidu and his administration had no direct involvement in the scandal, further reinforcing the legitimacy of the TDP government during his tenure.