Hyderabad: Telangana’s Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy has revealed that the state government is investigating allegations of land acquisition irregularities involving former BRS minister Harish Rao near the Kondapochamma Sagar reservoir. The announcement comes amidst claims that farmers were coerced into selling their lands at lower prices under the pretext of acquisition.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Ponguleti alleged that Harish Rao threatened farmers with a land acquisition notification to purchase their lands at reduced rates. “Initially, a notification was issued for land acquisition. Later, it was canceled after the lands were acquired cheaply,” he claimed.
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The minister stated that the government has credible evidence of malpractice. He questioned the legality of canceling the acquisition notification after the lands were purchased. “Harish Rao claims the lands were acquired lawfully and recorded in Dharani, but he has not addressed the cancellation of the notification,” Ponguleti said.
He cited a precedent from the tenure of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, noting that acquisition notifications issued for Hyderabad’s outskirts remain valid to this day.
Ponguleti also responded to demands by BJP leaders Bandi Sanjay and Kishan Reddy for the arrest of former Minister KT Rama Rao in unrelated cases. He urged them to secure the Governor’s approval if they intend to pursue action, highlighting the need for due process.
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