Naidu for CBI probe into Sugali Preethi case

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Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to hand over the Sugali Preethi case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further probe. He instructed senior police officers to immediately write to the CBI Director, seeking a comprehensive investigation.

The issue came up for discussion at the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet meeting chaired by Mr. Naidu on Thursday. Reiterating his government’s commitment, Mr. Naidu said the NDA coalition had assured justice to Preethi’s family and would ensure the probe moves forward.

Sugali Preethi, a student from Kurnool, was found dead on August 18, 2017, in her school hostel, with her body discovered hanging from a ceiling fan. The incident triggered widespread outrage across the State. 

Mr. Naidu decided to set up a Cabinet sub-committee to draft regulations to curb the spread of fake and misleading posts on social media. The panel will include Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Ministers Nadendla Manohar, Anagani Satya Prasad, and Parthasarathy. The sub-committee has been tasked with preparing a new law that ensures strict accountability, with Mr. Naidu emphasising that “freedom of expression is acceptable, but it should not cross limits.” He suggested a framework where posts carry accountability similar to Aadhaar-linked verification.

Mr. Naidu also called for stronger coordination between district Collectors and in-charge Ministers in organising District Review Committee (DRC) meetings. He directed the Chief Secretary to issue clear instructions that reviews should not be limited to once in three months, but could be held even every 15 days if necessary.

On national politics, Mr. Naidu urged the NDA allies to stand united and strongly counter any criticism aimed at the coalition. He specifically pointed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother, calling for immediate rebuttals.

On recruitment issues, the Cabinet congratulated IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh for successfully conducting the “Mega DSC” (teacher recruitment test), despite 72 legal cases filed in attempts to block it. 

The Cabinet also discussed misinformation regarding fertilizer supply. The Chief Minister dismissed allegations of urea shortages, stating that adequate stocks were maintained, and blamed the YSRCP for spreading false propaganda.

The meeting also discussed regularisation of illegal constructions, with Mr. Naidu warning officials to act firmly to prevent such occurrences in the future.

He directed officials to improve coordination between departments to counter such disinformation campaigns effectively.