HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department has alleged that former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu destroyed evidence after the Directorate-General of GST Intelligence found that funds had been siphoned off from the AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC).

The CID also named former minister K Atchannaidu as accused No.

2 in the case.

He is likely to be arrested soon.On May 14, 2018, a complaint from the DGGSTI office, Pune, was sent to the state anti-corruption bureau.

It gave details of APSSDC funds being allegedly routed to various shell companies through fake invoices.

The Pune office said DesignTech and other firms provide no services to APSSDC.Additionally, companies like Skiller Enterprises India Pvt Ltd and DesignTech - central to the scam - have been accused of claiming central VAT without paying service tax.

GST officials also identified irregularities allegedly involving money transfers through hawala channels in 2017.ACB ordered an inquiry, but Naidu was CM and no action was taken, the CID claimed.

"Even after knowing about it, Naidu did not take any criminal action or preventive steps to stop misappropriation of APSSDC funds," the CID alleged.It added: "Naidu, through G Subba Rao, MD - CEO of APSSDC, the secretary of the skill development department, and other officials caused disappearance of evidence.

The original note file relating to GO No.

4 (dated June 30, 2016) vanished thanks to accused No.

5 and the OSD to Subba Rao, NVK Prasad, who was in possession of the file.

This was done to escape liability of commission of the offence and to destroy crucial evidence connected to the case."The CID alleged that Naidu, in a state cabinet meeting, also approved the release of Rs 370 crore to DesignTech and allotted Siemens the project on nomination basis, without following the tender process."Naidu conspired with the other accused.

Without verifying the contribution of technology partners, he allowed the other accused to commit fraudulent and illegal acts and misappropriated government funds to the tune of Rs 145 crore, which were entrusted to them," the CID alleged.Whistleblowers had previously reported the scam to ACB and initial investigation had proved to be inconclusive.WatchChandrababu Naidu arrest: Did former Andhra Pradesh CM benefit from the Rs 550-crore deal? Details of the scam