Telugu Desam Party leader Chandrababu Naidu has been released from Rajamahendravaram Central Jail after spending 53 days in custody. Naidu was arrested in connection with the alleged Rs 371 crore Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation scam. The High Court granted him interim bail for four weeks, citing the need for cataract surgery in his right eye.
As part of his bail conditions, Naidu had to provide a bail bond of Rs 1 lakh and two sureties of the same amount. He is required to surrender before the jail superintendent by November 28 at 5 PM. While he is out on bail, Naidu is prohibited from influencing or threatening anyone involved in the case to prevent them from disclosing information to the courts or any other authority. He must also submit medical reports to the court as part of his treatment.
The news of Naidu’s release sparked massive celebrations in Rajahmundry and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. His son, Nara Lokesh, who had previously spoken about a “civil war” to secure his father’s freedom, took to social media to express his joy and called it a “victory.”
During a procession from Rajahmundry to Guntur’s Tadepalli, Naidu thanked his supporters and expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the affection shown towards him not only in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana but also worldwide.
However, the ruling YSR Congress Party criticized the TDP’s celebration of Naidu’s release. A spokesperson for the party pointed out that Naidu is accused in multiple cases, including the skill development scam, illegal liquor distillery licenses, Fibernet, and Inner Ring Road cases.
Naidu’s arrest last month had caused political turmoil and led to violent clashes. Party leaders accused Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government of conducting a “witch hunt.”
Recently, Naidu raised concerns about security lapses in prison and requested better arrangements be made, consistent with the Z-Plus category security cover allotted to him.
In other news, the TDP announced that it will not participate in the upcoming November 30 election in Telangana. The decision was made due to Naidu’s inability to lead the campaign from behind bars.
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