In a significant development in the Inner Ring Road scam case, the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has begun interrogating Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Nara Lokesh. The investigation is part of a larger effort to uncover the truth behind the alleged corruption in the construction of the Inner Ring Road project in Amaravati, the state’s capital city.
According to sources close to the investigation, Lokesh was summoned to the CID office in Hyderabad on Wednesday morning, where he was questioned for several hours. Sources also revealed that the investigators have gathered evidence suggesting that Lokesh may have played a role in the irregularities surrounding the project.
The Inner Ring Road project, which was initiated during the tenure of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has been marred by controversies and allegations of corruption. The project was meant to provide much-needed relief to commuters in Amaravati by reducing traffic congestion and improving connectivity within the city. However, reports suggest that several individuals and companies involved in the project may have engaged in fraudulent activities, including inflating costs and embezzling funds.
Lokesh, who served as the Minister for Information Technology and Panchayat Raj during Naidu’s administration, has been accused of having links to some of the companies under investigation. His father, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, is among the several politicians and business leaders who have already been questioned by the CID in connection with the scam.
The investigation into the Inner Ring Road project is just one of several cases that the CID is currently pursuing against the TDP leadership. In recent months, the agency has launched probes into various other projects, including the construction of a new state secretariat building and the Amaravati land pooling scheme.
The latest developments in the Inner Ring Road scam case come at a time when the political climate in Andhra Pradesh remains tense. The ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRC), led by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, has vowed to root out corruption and bring those responsible to justice. The opposition TDP, meanwhile, has accused the government of witch-hunting and targeting its leaders for political gain.
While the outcome of the CID’s investigation remains uncertain, it is clear that the people of Andhra Pradesh are eagerly awaiting the results. As the state continues to grapple with issues of corruption and governance, the Inner Ring Road scam case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public life.
As I sipped my morning coffee while reading about the latest developments in the case, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope that justice will finally be served. Whether or not Lokesh is found guilty, the fact that the authorities are taking concrete steps to address corruption sends a strong message to all those who believe they are above the law. It’s a reminder that, no matter how powerful or influential one may be, everyone is equal before the law.
