 "Andhra govt defends move to block CBI, calls it a precautionary measure")
N Chinarajappa, the Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has termed his government's decision of blocking Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the state as a precautionary measure because they feel the premier investigation agency is being misused.
"If you see the developments in last 2-3 months, CBI is being misused for political purposes. There is a change in even the CBI. People, intellectuals and advocates of Andhra Pradesh are suggesting that the state government should be careful. In that wake, this GO is issued with the thought to stand individual," said Chinarajappa.
Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government on Friday withdrew the 'general consent' to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations on central establishments in Andhra Pradesh.
"The CBI can enquire on central government agencies or central government employees but it has no jurisdiction on Andhra Pradesh government," Chinarajappa added.
The state home minister denied that the decision is in anticipation of CBI carrying out a probe into the attack on opposition leader Jaganmohan Reddy last month.
As per rules under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act of 1946, in accordance with which the CBI was formed, the investigating agency has complete jurisdiction over Delhi. But it can also enter the other states with the 'General Consent' of that state's government.
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In the absence of the permission now, the CBI cannot interfere with any case that takes place within the limits of Andhra Pradesh.
The Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government has also vested the state investigation agency with the responsibility of CBI duties in the state.
The Andhra government Order was passed on November 8, three months after it gave the general consent to the CBI to exercise its powers and jurisdiction in the state.
The development comes after Naidu pulled out from the National Democratic Alliance over demands for 'special status' to Andhra Pradesh.
In the aftermath, he accused the Centre of bringing down the reputation and credibility of CBI for its own gains.
The move of Andhra Pradesh shutting its door for the CBI is seen as an instance of shadow-boxing between the Centre and state under the federal system, especially when Naidu is pulling no stops to unite the non-BJP parties with the slogan "Save Democracy - Save Nation".
"This decision has been taken in wake of incidents happening in CBI since last six months. It lost its independence due to the involvement of Modi-led government, which is using CBI as a tool against political opponents by means of preparing fabricated statements," Lanka Dinakar, spokesperson of the ruling Telugu Desam Party told ANI.