Revanth Reddy warns officials in HYDRAA extortion corruption scandal
Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy issued a strict warning on Thursday, August 29, 2024, addressing concerns over corruption among lower-level officials. Complaints have emerged alleging that some officials in the revenue, municipal, and irrigation departments are extorting money from citizens by threatening them with legal action under the guise of HYDRAA regulations.
“It has come to our attention that some officials are demanding bribes based on outdated notices and complaints from two to three years ago. We will take strict action against such individuals. No one will be spared,” Revanth Reddy said.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and vigilance officials to intensify their efforts to combat corrupt practices.
On August 28, 2024, the Telangana government issued demolition notices to several high-profile properties, including the residence and office of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s brother, Tirupati Reddy. The notices were part of a broader initiative to address encroachments in sensitive areas, such as the Full Tank Level (FTL) zone of Durgam Cheruvu Lake.
Tirupati Reddy responded to the notices concerning encroachments around the lake, stating that he had purchased the property in 2015 and was unaware that it was within the FTL zone at the time of purchase. He expressed his willingness to comply with any corrective measures mandated by the government, as the property is registered under Koteswara Rao.
In a related incident, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V Ranganath conducted a surprise inspection in Ram Nagar on August 28, 2024, following complaints about illegal constructions. The inspection targeted the encroachment on the nalla at Manemma Gali in Ramnagar Chowrasta, which has caused the road to narrow and resulted in flooding during rains.
Local residents reported that illegal constructions on the nalla had worsened flooding, causing significant hardship. The Hydraa Commissioner has instructed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Town Planning, and Revenue officials to investigate the encroachments and verify the relevant land documents.
