A dramatic turn has emerged in the high-profile Fiber Net scam case filed during the previous YSRCP administration against former Chief Minister and then Opposition Leader N. Chandrababu Naidu. The CID and SIT have informed the ACB Court that no evidence has been found to substantiate the allegations, recommending that the case be formally closed. However, the development has taken a new twist after former AP FiberNet Chairman Gautam Reddy, the original complainant, challenged the closure and approached the court.

The FIR, filed in 2023, alleged massive irregularities amounting to over Rs 300 crore in the awarding of Fiber Net Phase-1 tenders. The CID claimed that a blacklisted firm, Terra Soft, had been granted the contract in violation of norms. Chandrababu Naidu was subsequently named as an accused in the case, with investigators relying heavily on a letter written by Gautam Reddy during his tenure as chairman.

As part of the initial probe, several arrests were made and preparations were underway for attachment of certain assets. The case had, at the time, become a major political flashpoint.

In a surprising shift, the CID and SIT have now reported that no prosecutable evidence has been found during the investigation. Former managing directors associated with the project have also reportedly conveyed that they have no objections to the case being dropped, paving the way for closure. But this is where the case has veered in an unexpected direction.

Gautam Reddy has raised strong objections, arguing that a case initiated on his complaint cannot be closed without hearing him. Alleging that the investigation was concluded without even informing him or considering his statements, he has filed a protest petition before the ACB Court.

The court is set to hear the petition on Monday, and the outcome is being closely watched across political and administrative circles. The ruling could determine whether the Fiber Net case reaches its end, or returns to the legal and political spotlight once again.