In a blow to Modi govt, Naidu bars CBI’s entry into Andhra Pradesh without permission

TDP-led government in Andhra Pradesh has withdrawn the general consent given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe any case in the state. The central investigation agency will have to seek permission from the Chandrababu Naidu’s government before entering into the state for any official purposes.

According to sources, the government pointed towards a lack of confidence in the agency due to the ongoing crisis and the case going on in the apex court for withdrawing the consent. However, the Andhra government’s move is being seen as escalating the confrontation with the Central government as Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu tries to bring together the non-BJP parties for an alliance.

The government order number 176 issued by the principal secretary AR Anuradha in the home department on November 8 stated, “In exercise of power conferred by Section 5 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 (Central Act No 25 of 1946), the government hereby withdraws the general consent accorded in GO No 109 Home (SC.A) Department dated August 3, 2018 to all members of the Delhi Special Police Establishment to exercise the powers and jurisdiction under the said Act in the State of Andhra Pradesh.’’

On August 3 this year, the Andhra government, had renewed the consent given to the CBI. As a result of the order revoking the consent, CBI won’t be able to carry out searches or raids or investigation in the state without taking any consent from the state government.

“The CBI cannot start an investigation or interfere in any case in the state till the general consent letter stands withdrawn,’’ an official said.

The development comes after Chandrababu Naidu alleged the Centre of trying to destabilise his government by using central agencies. He accused the BJP of colluding with Opposition leader Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in Andhra to overthrow his government by using CBI and IT Department.

A Home Department official stated that while Section 5 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act 1946 gives powers to the CBI over all areas in the country, Section 6 states that without the permission of a particular state government, the CBI cannot enter that particular state’s jurisdiction.

The state government can exercise their right to withdraw permission. Currently, there are no major CBI cases in Andhra Pradesh.

Following Naidu’s steps, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also given voice to Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s move and said the Bengal state government is checking the steps taken by the CBI as the agency has ‘lost its credibility’.