Arrested Naidupet Civic Chief Claimed He Was Close to CM Chandrababu

Naidupet (Nellore): Naidupet Municipal Commissioner Avineni Prasad Naidu, who was arrested by the ACB officials for amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, claimed himself to be a trusted person of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

He often used to create fear among contractors and government employees by claiming that he was a close relative of the AP CM. Prasad also used tell the employees that he had a good rapport with AP CM's son and Minister Nara Lokesh.

Following a tip-off, the ACB slueths conducted raids at Prasad's office and residences in Tirupati, Srikalahasthi, Nellore, Naidupet and Rajampet. Documents related to lands, properties worth crores of rupees were seized, said ACB Director General Thakur. It is estimated that the registration value of these properties is Rs 4.17 crore. However, the value of these properties in open market is said to be around Rs 25 crore.

Prasad owns a five-storyed building worth Rs 1.50 crore at NGO Colony, Kapila Theertham in Tirupati.

Several plots are in the name of Prasad at Chennakesavapuram in Tirupati Rural.

A three-storeyed building at Srikalahasti is in the name of Prasad's mother Vanajakshi. Mahindra SUV and several other documents related to lands were also seized.

He had connections with TDP leader Yanadhi Reddy and Paturi Janardhan Reddy. Cops said that there had been frequent money transactions between Prasad and Yanadhi Reddy as part of the construction business in Kurapati layout, Tirupati.

A native of Srikalahasti in Chittoor district, Prasad Naidu had joined as junior assistant. Later, he rose to prominent positions and is currently serving as Municipal Commissioner in Naidupet nagar panchayat. The police registered a case and arrested Naidu Prasad. The accused will be produced before an ACB court soon.