Andhra Pradesh withdraws 'general consent' to CBI to conduct raids, probe in state

In a significant decision, the Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh has withdrawn the "general consent" accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state.

The reason to withdraw the consent was recent allegations against the top officials of country's premier investigation agency, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa told reporters.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, the government hereby withdraws 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," a latest Government Order (GO) said.

The 'confidential' GO, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was "leaked" late Thursday night.

"We have trust in the CBI but the recent allegations against its top officials have made us withdraw the general consent. Henceforth, the CBI has to obtain the state governments permission for investigating every case," Rajappa said, claiming that the decision was taken on the advice of lawyers and intellectuals, the deputy chief minister claimed.

The state government's move is being seen further intensification of confrontation between the Modi government and Naidu, who is making extensive efforts to forge a non-BJP front to take on the saffron party in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Rajappa, however, clarified that the CBI could take up investigation against central government officials without the state's permission and also said,"We will grant necessary permission whenever the CBI makes a request."
Earlier, Banerjee extended support to Naidu over the issue, saying,"What the Chandrababu Naidu government has done is absolutely right. We will also look into the rules under which it was done. Earlier, we didn't need to use such provisions but we need to do it now as BJP is using CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta."