The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case against rebel YSRCP Lok Sabha MP Raghurama Krishnam Raju following simultaneous raids on his properties on Thursday. The case pertains to alleged default of loans running into several thousand crores of rupees to banks and nonbanking financial institutions.
The CBI had conducted searches on the properties of Raju for allegedly duping a consortium of banks led by Punjab National Bank of Rs 826.17 crore. The MP and 10 others are accused of diverting funds approved for a thermal power company.
The central investigating agency carried out action based on a complaint filed by PNB chief manager Saurabh Malhotra.
Raghurama Krishnam Raju alleged that raids happened after Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy met Punjab National Bank Chairman Mallikarjuna Rao after meeting the PM Narendra Modi. He alleged that Jagan could have influenced the PNB chairman to press a case against him. Raju clarified that he had availed loans to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore. Raju claimed that he has not even withdrawn or used Rs 2,000 crore which are still in the account.
Raju said, “People who are facing corruption charges to the tune of Rs 43,000 crore are levelling corruption charges against me. My lawyers have advised me to file a defamation suit against the media which has been reporting baseless allegations, but I don›t file any defamation suits against some people who will be going to jail soon. T
hey will be sent to prison in three to four months.” Rahuram Krishna Raju further alleged that the Andhra Government is run by some mentally handicapped persons.
Raghurama Krishnam Raju has been critical of policies of the YSRCP government. He opposed the trifurcation of the capital of Andhra Pradesh, and introduction of English medium education in the government schools.
He criticised the TTD’s move to sell some assets and alleged diversion of sand for sale in the black market. The YSRCP had issued a showcause notice and requested the Lok Sabha Speaker to disqualify him.