Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu. (File Photo/PTI)
In what could further escalate tension between the Centre and the state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has barred Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from interfere with any case that takes place within the limits of the state.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has also backed Naidu's move and said her government is checking the steps taken by the CBI as the agency has 'lost its credibility'.
According to reports, Naidu has withdrawn 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exercise its authority Andhra Pradesh. A 'confidential' government order to this effect, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was 'leaked' late on Thursday night.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, Government hereby withdraw the general consent accorded (in GO Ms 109) to all the members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh," the latest Government Order (GO) said.
On August 3 this year, the Andhra government issued the GO Ms No. 109 according "general consent" to all members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction in AP against officials of the central government, central government undertakings and private persons for investigating offences under various laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act.
Ever since he snapped ties with the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in March this year, Naidu had been alleging that the centre was misusing agencies like the CBI to target political opponents.
The recent raids by Income Tax authorities on some business establishments, run by those close to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in the state, have left Naidu red-faced.
(With PTI inputs)
