‘Was under UK lens over Kohinoor demand’: N Chandrababu Naidu; diamond inherit property of AP, says Andhra Pradesh CM

VIJAYAWADA: Reaffirming that Kohinoor diamond is the "inherent property of Andhra Pradesh", chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said authorities in London once placed him under special surveillance, apprehending that he might demand the return of Kohinoor to India.Speaking at the inauguration of the Avakai-Amaravati programme, the chief minister said he requested the exhibition authorities in London for permission to visit the expo where the Kohinoor diamond was on display. However, suspecting that he might raise a demand for the diamond's return to India, the authorities reportedly placed him under special surveillance."I asked the exhibition authorities to allow me to see the expo where the Kohinoor diamond was displayed. Fearing that I would demand its return, they put me under special surveillance," Naidu said.Emphasising the historical and cultural significance of the diamond, Naidu asserted that regardless of where the Kohinoor is currently housed, it remains a part of Andhra Pradesh's heritage wealth. "Wherever the Kohinoor diamond may be today, it is the heritage treasure of Andhra Pradesh. It will be remembered forever. This (Krishna district) is the land that produced Kohinoor diamond," he added.