AP withdraws ‘General Consent’ to Central Investigating Agencies

Amaravati, November 16:

The Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn its “General Consent” given to the Central government investigating agencies to carry out investigations in the state.

Principal Secretary of government of Andhra Pradesh A R Anuradha issued notification on November 8, 2018 stating that in exercise of powers confers by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1046 (Central Act No.25 of 1946) government hereby withdraw the general consent accord on Go Ms.No 109 Home (SC.A) department. All members of Delhi special police establishment to exercise the power and jurisdiction under the said Act in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Home Minister N Chinarajappa said that in the wake of the internal squabbles within CBI and corruption allegations, the state government had withdrawn the “General Consent” to the CBI. He said that the government had taken the views and advises of several experts before taking the decision.

He made it clear that henceforth the CBI has to take prior permission from the government to carry out any kind of investigation in the state. The Home Minister pointed out that some states including Karnataka, had already withdrawn the general consent to the CBI. However, the Home Minister made it clear that they have confidence on the CBI.

At the same time, the Home Minister dismissed allegations that the AP government had withdrawn General Consent” to the CBI fearing to the Modi headed NDA government at the Centre. The Centre is using the CBI as weapon for vindictive politics, he allged.