The Telangana government has intensified its push for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy directing officials to accelerate efforts and formally communicate with the CBI Director seeking a detailed investigation into the matter.
As part of the plan, the state government is also considering sending a ministerial delegation to New Delhi to meet the CBI Director in person and submit a detailed representation. A high-level review meeting was held with senior legal expert Abhishek Singhvi to finalise the legal and administrative strategy for moving forward with the proposed investigation.
Legal experts present at the meeting reportedly observed that there are no current judicial restraints preventing a CBI inquiry and noted that since the state government has already given its consent, the recent High Court order would not hinder the investigation process. They also pointed out that challenges to the judicial commission report have not been upheld, strengthening the state’s position.
Reviewing the High Court judgment, the Chief Minister stated that the court had not questioned the formation or findings of the P.C. Ghose Commission, but had only commented on procedural aspects related to issuance of notices. He maintained that the commission itself remains legally valid and that its findings, along with vigilance and National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) reports, form the basis for seeking a CBI probe.
Reiterating earlier statements made by Union Minister Kishan Reddy regarding the initiation of a probe within 48 hours if the case is handed over, Revanth Reddy demanded that the commitment be honoured, warning that the state government and the Congress party would pursue alternative action if there is no response from the Centre or the CBI. He also dismissed criticism over officials participating in site inspections, questioning the selective objections raised by opposition leaders.
Meanwhile, the state government is scheduled to hold another high-level review on the Kaleshwaram project, focusing on key issues including barrage repairs at Medigadda, land acquisition, rehabilitation works, funding requirements for irrigation projects, SLBC tunnel works based on NGRI findings, and the project’s future alignment options, as it aims to proceed simultaneously with both reconstruction and accountability measures.