A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court alleging “systematic attempts” by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his government to derail investigations into multiple criminal cases against him and others.
The plea seeks the transfer of seven cases from the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing a serious conflict of interest and compromised administrative control.
The petition, filed by a lawyer from Andhra Pradesh, claimed that the current state administration has been using its influence to obstruct investigations into cases involving allegations of corruption, money laundering, and criminal misappropriation.
These cases, which include the AP Fibernet Limited Case, the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) Case, the Inner Ring Road Case, and two Assigned Lands Scam cases, are said to implicate the Chief Minister and several high-ranking officials.
According to the plea, the CID has already filed charge sheets in five of these cases, while investigations in two others remain pending. The petitioner alleged that the very individuals accused in these cases now hold positions of authority over the investigating agencies, creating what the PIL describes as an “unprecedented conflict of interest”.
The plea also highlighted that key complainants and witnesses have been subjected to harassment and intimidation under the current regime. It cited instances such as the suspension of a government employee who lodged a complaint in the AP Fibernet case and retaliatory FIRs filed against a complainant in the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) case.
Investigating officers and witnesses are reportedly being pressured to alter their testimonies, while critical evidence is at risk of being compromised due to administrative interference, the plea alleged.
The PIL also alleged that shortly after the election results, the Economic Offences Wing-II of the CID was sealed, barring investigators from accessing vital evidence.
The sanctioning authority for prosecution now lies with the accused, further complicating the pursuit of justice, the petition claims.
The petition, which names 115 respondents, including the State of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and other accused individuals, called for a Supreme Court directive to prevent the state government and its instrumentalities from obstructing ongoing investigations and trials.
Additionally, the PIL sought instructions for the ED to expedite its pending investigations and submit a supplementary complaint to the Special Court overseeing these cases. The petitioner argues that the alleged interference strikes at the heart of the criminal justice system and jeopardizes the integrity of the investigations.
The Supreme Court is yet to take up the petition.