Telangana weighs CBI probe in Kaleshwaram case

HYDERABAD: The Telangana government is reviewing options after the Centre did not notify a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the Kaleshwaram project for seven months.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy held discussions with senior officials on further action based on reports by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), the Justice Chandraghosh Commission, and vigilance authorities.

The state plans to write again to the Union home minister seeking notification. If there is no response, it is considering approaching the Supreme Court for a CBI probe.

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Centre approval key for CBI investigation

Under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, the CBI requires central notification to begin an inquiry.

The previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government had withdrawn general consent for CBI entry into Telangana. The current government issued a special exemption for the Kaleshwaram case.

The state cited inter-state aspects and involvement of multiple agencies in the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages as reasons to hand over the case to the CBI. It assured full cooperation in investigating officials, private persons and contractor firms.

Officials said the chief minister is examining legal options as the Centre has not acted despite the state’s notification.

State flagged irregularities in September 2025

The Telangana government formally issued a notification on September 1, 2025, seeking a CBI inquiry into alleged irregularities in the construction of the three barrages.

The CBI acknowledged receipt, but no central notification followed. The state also submitted documents, including the Ghosh Commission report, NDSA technical findings, and vigilance evidence.

The chief minister has raised concerns that political reasons may be behind the delay.

Centre criticised despite corruption claims

Union ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party leaders had earlier supported a CBI probe.

C R Patil told Parliament that design and planning flaws caused the project’s failure and alleged that ₹1 lakh crore of public money was wasted.

G Kishan Reddy alleged that the project was misused by the K Chandrashekar Rao family and questioned the lack of action.

Bandi Sanjay had said a CBI probe would ensure swift action against those responsible.

The state government has now taken a serious view of the delay and is preparing to escalate the matter legally if needed.