N Chandrababu Naidu, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) early Saturday morning, according to statements made by party officials.
In the early hours of Saturday, an arrest warrant was served to Naidu in connection with an alleged corruption case, leading to a dramatic scene in Nandyal as a team of police officers arrived to take him into custody. The party has stated that the police intend to transport Chandrababu to Vijayawada via a flight from Orvakal Airport.
However, Chandrababu vehemently objected to the arrest, asserting that it was initiated without presenting any evidence to support the allegations against him. He expressed his willingness to cooperate with the law but only if evidence was provided. Prior to his arrest, the CID conducted a medical check-up, during which they detected high blood pressure and diabetes, as reported by Naidu's counsel. They also mentioned their plans to approach the High Court for bail.
Meanwhile, a minor altercation occurred between TDP supporters and police personnel. In a preventive measure to maintain law and order in the state, Nara Lokesh, the son of Chandrababu Naidu and a prominent TDP leader, was detained by the State Police in East Godavari district. This late-night police action against the senior TDP leader drew criticism from party officials, and some party workers were also reportedly detained by the police.
Officials deployed a substantial police presence in the area under the command of DIG Raghurama Reddy. However, they refrained from responding to inquiries from party leaders, stating that the remand report contained all the necessary information. The CID officials emphasized that they possessed evidence, which they had submitted to the High Court, and that the remand report contained comprehensive details. They indicated their intention to provide a remand report before transferring Naidu to Vijayawada.