AMARAVATI: The Andhra Pradesh government has barred the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from conducting raids or carrying out investigations in the state without its permission. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government issued the orders withdrawing “general consent” to CBI officers to exercise jurisdiction in the state to investigate corruption charges against officials of central government and private persons. The move came amid ongoing crisis inside the bureau in the wake of corruption allegations against its director Alok Verma by his deputy Raksh Asthana.
Principle Secretary (Home) in Andhra Pradesh, AR Anuradha, issued the orders dated November 8, exercising powers under Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. On August 3, the state government had issued orders giving its general consent to the CBI To exercise its powers and jurisdiction in the state. The same has now been revoked as per Section 6 of the DSPE Act. The CBI exercises its jurisdiction in states under this Act. The state government's move is seen as yet another clash between TDP and the Centre after the party pulled out of BJP-led NDA in March this year.
TDP President and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had been accusing the Modi government of misusing central agencies to target TDP leaders for demanding special category status to the state. There have been a series of Income Tax searches at the offices and residences of TDP leaders in recent weeks. Party leaders had also voiced the apprehension that the Centre could use CBI and other agencies to target top leadership of the party.
