CBI

CBI

In an unprecedented move, the Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh has withdrawn the 'general consent' accorded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct raids and carry out investigations in the state. After this order, the Central probe agency cannot now investigate any case that takes place within the limits of Andhra Pradesh.The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act. According to the Act, India's premier probe agency has complete jurisdiction over Delhi, but it can only enter the other states with the 'General Consent' of that state's government.A 'confidential' government order to block the CBI powers, issued by Principal Secretary (Home) A R Anuradha on November 8, was "leaked" late 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 GO said.This order has come three months after the state had given general consent to the CBI for functioning in the state.On August 3, the AP 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.According to reports, the Chandrababu Naidu government has also vested the state investigation agency with the responsibility ofduties in the state.The move was welcomed by the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "Chandrababu Naidu has done the right thing in saying he wouldn't allowin his state. The BJP can be 'note changer', but it's not a game changer," Mamata said.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.Subsequently, he announced that his government would not provide police cover to the IT officials for conducting the raids.(Inputs from PTI and ANI)