Nipah Virus: The first death took place on August 30 and the second death on Monday. (Representational)
New Delhi:
Two people have died due to Nipah virus in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed today. The virus has also infected two others in the same district, The Kerala government informed.
The Centre’s confirmation comes hours after a district-wide health alert was issued yesterday after two “unnatural” deaths were reported from a private hospital.
“A central team sent to Kerala to take stock of the situation and assist the state government in Nipah virus management,” Mr Mandaviya said.
The first death took place on August 30 and the second death on Monday, reported news agency PTI.
“Nipah virus infection has been confirmed in Kozhikode district. Two people died due to infections. Of the four people whose saliva was sent for testing, two were Nipah positive and two were Nipah negative,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a Facebook post.
How Kerala Government Is Preparing
The Kerala government has set up a control room in Kozhikode and advised people to use masks as a precautionary measure.
Earlier in the day, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan advised people to exercise caution and said there was no reason to worry as those who were in close contact with the victims were under treatment.
“There is nothing to worry about. Those who were in contact with the two are being traced and treated. Being careful is the key to tackling the situation. Everyone is requested to cooperate with the action plan prepared by the health department,” the Chief Minister said.
Earlier Outbreaks In Kerala
There was a Nipah virus outbreak in the Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in 2018 and later in 2021, a case of Nipah virus was reported in Kozhikode.
Nipah Virus is caused by fruit bats and is potentially fatal to humans as well as animals, according to the World Health Organisation or WHO. Along with respiratory illness, it is also known to cause fever, muscular pain, headache, fever, dizziness, and nausea.
North Korea has confirmed that its supreme leader Kim Jong Un left for Russia by Train on Sunday.
Seoul:
A train carrying North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has entered Russia, Russian state news agency Ria Novosti said Tuesday, ahead of a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The train crossed into the Primorsky region from North Korea, the agency said, with images showing a train with dark green carriages being pulled along a track by a Russian Railways locomotive.
South Korea’s defence ministry said earlier it believed Kim’s train had entered Russia Tuesday.
Kim will meet Putin later this week, according to Russian media reports.
The visit is Kim’s first trip abroad in four years.
Experts say Moscow would likely seek artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, which wants advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology in return.
Putin is currently in Vladivostok for an annual economic forum.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russia media the two leaders would discuss “sensitive” subjects.
“Obviously, as neighbours, our countries also cooperate in sensitive areas that should not be the subject of public disclosure and announcements. This is perfectly normal for neighbouring states,” he said.
The leaders would ignore US “warnings” over the talks, Peskov told reporters.
Washington has said North Korea would “pay a price” if it supplies Moscow with weapons for the Ukraine conflict.
“In building our relations with our neighbours, including North Korea, the important thing for us is the interests of our two countries, not Washington’s warnings”, Peskov added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Super 4, Live Updates: KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have changed gears and started thrashing Pakistan bowlers. Rahul has brought up his 14th ODI half-century and Kohli is inching closer towards his 66th fifty. On the other hand, Pakistan have lost both of their DRS reviews as they desperately eye some wickets in order to get an upper hand in the game. In another development, it has been reported that Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf will not bowl today as a precautionary measure. After rain played a spoilsport on Sunday, the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between India and Pakistan resumed on Monday in Colombo. (Live Scorecard)
Asia Cup 2023 Live Updates | India vs Pakistan | IND vs PAK, Super 4 match:
17:25 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live Score: Virat Kohli changes gear
After KL Rahul, Virat Kohli also changes gear and starts dealing in boundaries. In the previous of Faheem Ashraf, he smashes a boundary and the pacer leaks seven runs.
IND 211/2 (34 overs)
17:19 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Rahul hits 50
KL Rahul hits a takes a single off Faheem Ashraf’s delivery and brings up his half-century. It is his 14th half-century in the 50-over format and he brings it up in just 60 balls. Terrific batting from Rahul as Team India aim for a big total.
IND 205/2 (33.1 overs)
17:12 (IST)
India vs Pakistan: Rahul nears 50
Team India finally gain some momentum as in the previous over of Iftikhar Ahmed, KL Rahul smashes a six and a boundary. as the spinner leaks 11 runs . With this, Rahul is inching closer towards his half-century. It will be his 14th ODI fifty.
IND 186/2 (31 overs)
17:07 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: India go past 170
KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have stitched a 50-run partnership for Team India and have taken their side across the 170-run mark. In the previous over of Shaheen Afridi, the duo scores eight runs, which include a boundary from Rahul.
IND 175/2 (30 overs)
16:59 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live: Massive blunder from Pakistan
Pakistan wastes a DRS review. Mohammad Rizwan takes a catch of Virat Kohli behind the stumps but the on-filed signals not-out. Babar Azam opts for a DRS review and it is then revealed that the ball had touched Virat’s thighs and was far away from the bat. Pakistan have exhausted both of their DRS reviews.
IND 153/2 (28 overs)
16:53 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Tight bowling from Pakistan
Pakistan bowlers have been really economical so far as India batters have not been able to smash a boundary. In the previous over of Faheem Ashraf, the duo of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul score only three runs. The Indian batters are steadily taking their side ahead in the game.
IND 155/2 (27 overs)
16:46 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live Score: Rahul, Kohli steady
KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have given a steady start to Team India in the first over of the restart. In the previous over of Shadab Khan, the duo scores four runs and aim to get some boundaries. On the other hand, Pakistan bowlers are desperately eyeing some wickets.
IND 150/2 (25 overs)
16:41 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: We are underway
The Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between India and Pakistan has finally resumed. India begin at 1247/2 in 24.1 overs with KL Rahul (17*) and Virat Kohli (8*) standing unbeaten at the crease. On the other hand, Shadab Khan will be resuming the attack for Pakistan.
16:35 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Here’s what Morne Morkel said about Haris Rauf’s absence
“He (Haris Rauf) started feeling his oblique muscle last night. He had a scan and it revealed some inflamation. With the World Cup round the corner, it is precautionary and we’ll have to use the other boys to fill the overs. About yesterday’s bowling, I felt that if we aren’t on the money from the get go, and that’s why we were hit for a few runs,” said Morkel
16:32 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Haris Rauf will not bowl
Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf will not be bowling today as a precautionary measure. This can be a big blow for Pakistan as he is one of the most lethal pacers in their bowling attack.
16:28 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Match to restart at 4:40 PM
The match officials have inspected the ground and the game will restart at 4:40 PM. It will be a full 50-over match and Team India will continue their innings from 147/2 in 24.1 overs.
16:19 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: New inspection time announced
The match officials will do another ground inspection at 4:20 PM. Currently, the weather in Colombo is clear and players from both the teams can be seen practicing on the field. Stay tuned for all the live updates.
16:11 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Virat Kohli starts taking throw downs
Star India batter Virat Kohli has entered the ground and is facing some throwdowns. The other India’s players also begin to warm up. Meanwhile, the umpires are having some chat with India head coach Rahul Dravid and some Pakistan players.
15:58 (IST)
15:53 (IST)
India vs Pakistan: Umpires walking on the field
Umpires walking out to the middle for a cursory inspection. India head coach Rahul Dravid has hastily made his way out towards the pitch as well, for his personal inspection. Stay tuned for all the live updates.
15:38 (IST)
15:25 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Groundsmen working hard
The groundsmen are tirelessly working to make the ground suitable for the important game between India and Pakistan. Currently, the covers are intact on the field and the staff is putting it’s sweat and blood to clear the ground.
The start of the reserve day of the Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Pakistan has been delayed due to wet conditions. The rain has currently stopped and the covers are being removed.
15:01 (IST)
India vs Pakistan: Here’s what Mohammed Kaif said about Shaheen
“Shaheen will continue to bring the ball in, bowling his inswing. He has told himself that his game plan is very simple, bring the ball in and fast, whatever the batsman wants to do let him, his game plan is straightforward – bring the ball in, hit the pad and hit the stumps. So it will be exciting to see Virat Kohli in the form he is to take him on, it is the most key matchup of the game. What makes Virat special is his ability to play in the big matches, and he won’t play on the back foot. Naseem Shah, Afridi or Rauf, whoever is bowling, don’t play on the back foot. If you get the chance, even on the first ball, look for the boundary.”
14:57 (IST)
India vs Pakistan: Here’s what Mohammed Kaif said about Virat Kohli
“Overcoming challenges is one of Virat’s best qualities. That has become his habit. It’s a big match, and his record against Pakistan is great. Whenever he plays against Pakistan, his bat does the talking. And people have high expectations of him. People have expectations from someone who performs regularly. For newer players, as it is a big game, the expectations are not as high. But the senior players, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, if they fail, the fans don’t like it at all. There is no compromise on that; they have to perform with the bat and continue their form of the past two or three years and perform well at the World Cup also,” Kaif told Star Sports
14:47 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Covers are being remvoes
Good news from Colombo!!!! The rain has currently stopped and the covers are being removed. In some time, we will get to know the start time of the match. Stay tuned for all the live updates.
14:40 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Heavy rainfall in Colombo
The restart of the Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan is in jeopardy as it’s raining heavily in Colombo. The match was scheduled to begin at 3 PM but looking at the conditions, a long delay is expected.
14:24 (IST)
14:11 (IST)
14:03 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live: Team India arrives
In the latest visuals, Team India can be seen arriving at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo for the mouth-watering clash against Pakistan. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli and others can be seen entering the stadium.
13:46 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Shaheen-Shadab among wicket-takers for Pakistan
On Sunday, India lost two wickets in the form of skipper Rohit Sharma for 56 and Shubman Gill for 58. Rohit was removed by Shadab Khan while Gill was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi. It was a brilliant comeback for Shaheen in the match as he leaked many runs in the previous overs but finally provided Pakistan with a major breakthrough.
13:13 (IST)
12:56 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: KL Rahul completes 2000 runs
Making his comeback after a four-month hiatus, India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul completed 2000 runs in the ODI format on Sunday. During a match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super Four, Rahul reached the 2000-run mark in just 53 innings, equalling Virat Kohli’s record. The top spot belongs to veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan who achieved this milestone in just 48 innings, while former skipper Sourav Ganguly and batter Navjot Sidhu also reached this milestone in 52 innings.
12:48 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Early morning rainfall in Colombo
There was heavy rains in Colombo at 7 AM on the reserve day. The skies are extremely cloudy. Moreover, the onfield faced immense damage as there were noticeable wet patches at the R Premadas Stadium, where the match is taking place. More rain will only make these patches worse, delay the game further or even cause an abandonment without any further action.
12:39 (IST)
12:32 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: India to play against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Though India are to play two more matches — against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — in the Super 4s, there’s no guarantee that those matches won’t see washouts. Hence, rain-marred contests, including the match against Pakistan, aren’t very beneficial for the Indian team.
12:29 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: What happens in case of a washout on the reserve day?
In a case where the India vs Pakistan match in the Super 4 stage gets washed out, points will be shared between the two teams. Such a scenario would take Pakistan’s tally to 3 points which will help them remain top of the points table while India will remain third with 1 point in their kitty. A washout, hence, could prove dangerous for the Indian team if they fail to win at least one of their next two matches. With Sri Lanka already securing one win, they remain ahead of India in the points table.
12:12 (IST)
India vs Pakistan: Heavy rainfall predicted
Heavy rains and thunderstorms are predicted on Monday evening in Colombo. The match is at the mercy of rain gods. In case of a washout, India will be at a disadvantageous situation.
11:44 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Game to resume at 3 PM
It looks like the game might just resume at the designated time of 3:00 PM IST but there remains a 70-80 percent chance of rain from 4 pm. Another washout could be on the cards today.
11:38 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Fiery partnership between Rohit-Shubman
India openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill provided Team India with a brilliant start on Sunday as the duo stitched a massive partnership of 121 runs. Rohit smashed 56 while Gill scored 58. It was Rohit’s 50th half-century in the 50-over format.
11:17 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: India to resume at 147/2
On Sunday, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and invited India to bat first. India posted a total of 147/2 in 24.1 overs before rain interrupted the match proceedings. KL Rahul (17*) and Virat Kohli (8*) are standing unbeaten at the crease.
11:03 (IST)
11:02 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Rain played a spoilsport on Sunday
The play had to be called-off on Sunday due to heavy rainfall in Colombo. Keeping the weather forecast in mind, the Asian Cricket Council kept a reserve day for this particular match.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Highlights: The Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Pakistan was moved to the reserve day, Monday, after rain forced the play on Sunday to be called off. India will resume at the score of 147 for 2 in 24.1 overs with KL Rahul (17 not out) and Virat Kohli (8 not out) at the crease. Earlier, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and invited India to bat first. Rohit Sharma (56) and Shubman Gill (58) stitched 121 runs for the opening wicket. Shadab Khan removed Rohit while Shaheen Afridi got better of Gill before rain interrupted the play. (Scorecard)
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
Asia Cup 2023 Highlights | India vs Pakistan | IND vs PAK, Super 4 match:
21:01 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: The silver lining!
Among all the heavy rain, the covers and the stoppage, the good thing is that the overs in the game have not been reduced. India will bat further in this game with Pakistan batting next. However, the only cause of concern is that the weather forecast for Monday in Colombo is not pleasing.
20:46 (IST)
Ind vs Pak Match: Match to resume on Monday!
The suspense is over guys! Here is the inevitable. The match has been called off for tonight. It will resume on Monday at 3pm. Remember, it is going to be a 50-over a side game only. No changes in overs that means.
20:40 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Heavy rain is back!
It has started raining heavily at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This is not a good visual at all. It is not a passing shower, for sure.
20:37 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Ground packed with cover!
More and more covers are coming in. It seems that the play is far away from a resumption now. The gloomy visuals suggest that the match is likely to be shifted to the next day. However, this is not official. Stay connected for the updates…
20:31 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Bad news!
This is not a good visual. The groundstaff are walking in with covers again. Either the rain has arrived or it is set to come. Everyone has his or her on the sky now. It seems that it is set to rain. Maybe they have seen a cloud. Yes, that is the case!
20:28 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Here is what umpires said –
“Ideally we want to get as many overs as we can for both sides, but we don’t know if it is 9pm or quarter to 9pm. Whatever the decision we make, if it is a 34-over game for a 9pm start and it starts to rain after play resumes then we start tomorrow with the same number of overs. But if we don’t get any further decision on the number of overs today then we have a full 50-over game tomorrow,” said umpires Chris Gaffaney and Ruchira Palliyaguruge.
20:24 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Play likely to start by 9PM!
The umpires said that they are trying to get the match started by 9 PM. However, it the match could resume by that time, it will be a 34-over per side game.
20:20 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Another update –
Umpires Chris Gaffaney and Ruchira Palliyaguruge have informed that they are trying to get a couple of areas dried.
20:11 (IST)
Live Score: Amazing visuals!
Would you believe this? The groundstaff are now using a series of fans to dry the wet areas on the ground. This is such a rare of the rarest events on the cricket field. Of all, the good news is that everyone is trying hard to get the match back on.
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Second inspection underway!
The second inspection is currently underway at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. We are waiting for the decision of the umpires. They had a thorough look at the ground, the dry and the wet areas, and then walked off. Let’s see what their decision is.
19:51 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Inspection at 8 PM!
We have a new inspection time. It is 8 PM. The groundsmen continue to work hard to make the game possible somehow safely.
19:50 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Not a good sight!
The way the players are so casually standing outside the dressing room, it seems that either India won’t bat again or we won’t have a game anymore tonight. However, an official update is yet to be announced on that.
19:48 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Umpires talking to Babar now –
The umpires are now talking to skipper Babar Azam after going upstairs to Pakistan dressing room. The discussion is underway. Definitely, the current condition of the ground would be their topic of discussion. Mohammad Rizwan also joins them. Umpires are walking back to the ground now. Wait for the decision….
19:45 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Latest update –
The umpires are having some discussion with India captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid. The captain-coach duo is now walking upstairs while umpires are walking towards the ground.
19:36 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Umpires on the ground!
The umpires are on the ground and we shall have an update soon. They are assessing the conditions. Stay connected for the updates.
19:33 (IST)
Ind vs Pak Asia Cup 2023 Live Updates: Wet outfield
It seems that the outfield has not been dried yet. We are waiting for the result of the inspection. However, the good news is that currently there is no rain. Keep your fingers crossed, folks!
19:22 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live: Bumrah on the ground
Jasprit Bumrah is having a chat with Pakistan’s bowling coach Morne Morkel on the ground. Meanwhile, the ground staff are on duty. They are are trying their level best to dry the ground for the match to take place. Let’s hope we see no rain again.
19:02 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Updates: Ground inspection time revealed
The ground inspection time for the Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Pakistan has been announced as 7:30 PM. Stay tuned for all the live updates.
19:00 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live Score: Rohit in talks with match officials
In the latest visuals from the ground, skipper Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli can be seen talking to match officials.
18:55 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Updates: DLS revised target
According to Cricbuzz, the DLS revised target in 20 overs for Pakistan will be 180. There’s still no update regarding the restart of the match.
18:47 (IST)
18:38 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live Score: Cut-off time revealed
The cut-off time for a 20-over per side match between India and Pakistan has been decided as 10:36 PM, as per the official broadcasters. However, Deep Dasgupta has stated that the time cut-off can be 12 AM.
18:31 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Updates: Overs will be reduced
As the rain has brutally interrupted the match proceedings, the overs will now be reduced. It still remains a question that when will the game restart. Stay tuned for all the live updates.
18:26 (IST)
18:20 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Rain stops but covers in place
The rain has stopped but the covers are still in place. The groundsmen are giving their blood and sweat and trying to prepare the ground for the match. Apart from the covers, the staff members are also using sponge to soak the water from the ground.
18:00 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Covers being removed
The drizzling has currently stopped and the covers are being slowly removed from the ground. Stay tuned for all the live updates.
17:47 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Little drizzle in Colombo
There is light drizzle in Colombo and the covers are intact on the field. There’s no confirmation regarding the exact resume time as the wait for the India and Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match continues.
17:43 (IST)
Ind vs Pak Asia Cup 2023 Live Updates: Reserve Day only for today’s match
The India vs Pakistan match is the only one in the Super Four stage to have a reserve day. However, the coaches of both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — the other two teams in round two — have voiced their displeasure over the exemption granted by the ACC. The exemption, however, has been granted keeping in mind that the clash of arch-rivals, India and Pakistan, brings in a lot of revenue for broadcasters.
17:38 (IST)
Ind vs Pak Asia Cup 2023 Live Updates: Covers back on field
There is no rain in Colombo currently but the covers have been brought back onto the field. The wait for the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between India and Pakistan continues.
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Covers being removed
The rain has currently stopped and the covers have been taken off the ground. The ground inspection will begin soon and the time for the restart of the India and Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2023 match, will be announced soon.
17:10 (IST)
17:08 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Reserve Day
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on Friday added a reserve day for the blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan. Last week, the India vs Pakistan group stage match was washed out due to rain, with both teams sharing a point each. If the match could not be concluded today, it will continue on Monday from the point it was suspended.
17:03 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: Great gesture from Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman helped the groundstaff to cover the ground.
The game has been stopped due to rain. India’s score read at 147/2 in 24.1 overs with KL Rahul (17*) and Virat Kohli (8*) standing unbeaten at the crease. Stay tuned for all the live updates.
16:48 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Live Score: Maiden over
Shadab Khan gives a sigh of relief to Pakistan as he bowls a maiden over and controls the flow of runs. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are stitching a steady partnership in order to take Team India to a good total.
IND 140/2 (23 overs)
16:45 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: 3 runs off the over
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are being cautious in their approach and steadily taking Team India ahead in the game. In the previous over of Haris Rauf, the duo scores only three runs as Pakistan take a sigh of relief.
IND 140/2 (22 overs)
16:37 (IST)
IND vs PAK Live Score: Kohli-Rahul to the rescue
After the quick dismissals of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Team India now rely on Virat Kohli and KL Rahul for a stable partnership. In the previous over of Shaheen Afridi, Rahul smashes a boundary as the pacer leaks four runs. The duo now aims to get some more boundaries in order to keep the momentum towards their side.
IND 135/2 (20 overs)
16:27 (IST)
India vs Pakistan Live Score: OUT
OUT!!! Shaheen Afridi has provided Pakistan with their second breakthrough as he removed Shubman Gill for 58. Gill flicks it towards the off-side for a boundary but fails to time as the ball lands into the hands of Agha Salman. Brilliant comeback from Pakistan as India lose their second wicket.
Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu was produced in an Anti-Corruption Bureau court here on Sunday morning amid tight security, a day after being arrested in a case of alleged corruption.
The former Andhra Pradesh chief minister is being represented by Supreme Court lawyer Siddarth Luthra and a team of advocates.
Several TDP senior leaders and the party cadre gathered at the court complex.
At 3:40 am, he was taken to Government General Hospital in Vijayawada for medical tests following a 10-hour-long interrogation at the CID’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) office at Kunchanapalli here.
Following the tests, which lasted for about 50 minutes, Naidu was taken back to the SIT office even though it was expected that he would be directly taken to a local court.
The TDP chief’s son Nara Lokesh, wife Nara Bhuvaneswari and others were waiting at the ACB Court, TDP spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy told PTI.
“We thought that he would be taken to the court. But they brought him back to the SIT office. Lokesh and Bhuvaneswari were waiting at the Court but all of a sudden the convoy turned towards the SIT office,” Kommareddy said.
Wondering whether Naidu would be produced in the court before 24 hours of arrest, he said they were surprised and confused.
Naidu was arrested in connection with the alleged Skill Development Corporation scam after a pre-dawn police operation at Gnanapuram in Nandyala on Saturday. He was arrested by the CID around 6 am from a marriage hall outside which his caravan was parked.
It has been alleged that the scam led to a Rs 300-crore loss to the state exchequer. The TDP chief has been named the ‘principal conspirator’ in the case.
Meanwhile, the TDP gave a call to its supporters to take part in a one-day fast in every Assembly constituency on Sunday to protest against Naidu’s arrest.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department has said former chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is the prime mover, conspirator and beneficiary of the alleged Rs 371-crore scam in the skill development corporation.
CID Additional Director General of Police N Sanjay said the Telegu Desam Party chief was arrested on Saturday morning as he is the prime accused in the case and there is a risk of him influencing the course of the investigation.
‘Inflated Project Cost’
In 2014, Andhra Pradesh had issued a government order stating that clusters of Siemens Centres of Excellence would be established across the state, with technology partners Siemens and Design Tech contributing 90% as grant-in-aid and the government giving only 10% of an allegedly inflated project cost of Rs 3,300 crore.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was drawn up, but the 90% contribution by Siemens and Design Tech did not find a mention. The MoU was approved by both Chandrababu Naidu and TDP State President K Atchannaidu, who is also an accused in the case.
The CID has claimed that then minister Ganta Srinivas Rao was also involved in the conspiracy, and the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation was established after bypassing the council of ministers and deviating from rules.
Shell Companies
“The Andhra Pradesh government released Rs 371 crore, a large part of which was siphoned off and only a small part was used to establish centres of excellence,” CID chief N. Sanjay said. The money was allegedly diverted through shell companies and fake invoices, and no actual delivery mentioned in the invoices was found during the investigation.
Mr Sanjay said Mr Naidu and other TDP leaders were among the beneficiaries of the misappropriated funds.
“Though the probe began with the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation and the head of companies, the prime mover and principal conspirator in the case, who orchestrated the transfer of government funds to private entities via shell companies, is N Chandrababu Naidu,” the additional DGP said.
“He possesses exclusive knowledge of transactions leading to the issuance of government orders and signing of MoUs from time to time. This makes him the central figure of the investigation,” he added.
Bureaucrats Had Objected
CID officials said senior IAS officers, including then chief secretary IYR Krishna Rao, principal finance secretary P V Ramesh and special secretary (finance) K.Sunitha, had made notings in files related to the corporation. They had objected to the advance release of funds to Design Tech and noted that this was being done on the instructions of then chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.
The CID is probing to find the final beneficiaries of the misappropriated funds, including cash holdings, recovered from accused like Vikas Vinayak Khanvilkar, the then managing director of Design Tech. The department said key documents have gone missing and they had to arrest Mr Naidu to interrogate him in custody and with other primary suspects.
“The deep-rooted and serious economic offence makes custodial interrogation necessary. Being in an important position as the head of a political party and having occupied the office of the chief minister, there is a chance of Mr Naidu influencing the course of the investigation. He was the principal decision-maker in releasing money in advance from the government,” said Mr Sanjay.
Siemens Distances Itself
The Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department and the Goods and Services Tax Intelligence Wing have also investigated the case, according to a note shared by sources in the Andhra Pradesh government.
Siemens Industrial Software India Private Limited has carried out an internal investigation and distanced itself from the actions of its then managing director Suman Bose, saying he had acted without authorisation.
Sources said Siemens had also received only Rs 58.8 crores out of Rs 371 crores paid to Design Tech by the skill development corporation. Soumyadri Shekhar Bose, also called Suman Bose, then MD of Siemens, and Khanvilkar of Design Tech MD of Design Tech, had allegedly siphoned off Rs 241 crore. Hawala channels were also allegedly used to send an undisclosed sum to Hyderabad and Pune.
The ED had, earlier this year, arrested Bose, Khanvilkar, Mukul Chandra Agarwal – ex-financial advisor and signatory for Skillar Enterprises India Pvt Ltd – and Suresh Goyal, a chartered accountant, in a money-laundering case related to the scam. The agency has also provisionally attached properties worth Rs 31.2 crore belonging to Design Tech.
