BS-IV scam: ED Hyderabad files chargesheet against TDP leader JC Prabhakar Reddy
Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet against TDP leader and former Tadippatri MLA JC Prabhakar Reddy, C Gopal Reddy and their family members in connection with the BS-IV vehicle scam. The premier investigation agency attached 68 immovable properties worth Rs. 28.62 Crore belonging to JC Prabhakar Reddy, C Gopal Reddy and their family members.
ED investigation revealed that the accused floated the Supreme Court of India orders on BS IV vehicles. According to the apex court order “the vehicles that are not compliant with BS IV emission norms shall not be sold or registered in India from 1st April 2017 onwards.”
According to the Prosecution Complaint (PC), ED’s equivalent to Charge sheet, J C Prabhakar Reddy, C. Gopal Reddy and others purchased BS-III vehicles from Ashok Leyland Ltd. as scrap at huge discounts in the name of their entities viz. M/s. Jatadhara Industries Pvt Ltd and M/s C. Gopal Reddy and Co. and fraudulently registered the same as BS-IV vehicles on the basis of forged and fabricated documents. Majority of the fraudulent registrations were done in Nagaland while some were also done in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Plying BS-III as BS IV vehicles
Preliminary ED investigation revealed that 50 such vehicles were registered in the name of M/s Jatadhara Industries Pvt Ltd and 104 vehicles were registered in the name of M/s C. Gopal Reddy. Most of these vehicles were further utilised by them in their transport business by plying them as BS IV vehicles. Some such vehicles were also sold off by projecting them as BS IV vehicles.
The proceeds of crime generated by owning, plying and selling these vehicles have been quantified as Rs. 38.36 Crore, added the ED.
Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Hyderabad has filed Prosecution Complaint (PC) against 17 accused persons / entities in the BS-IV vehicle scam before the Special (PMLA) Court, Vishakhapatnam under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
