Hyderabad, Mar 30 (TNT) : A delegation of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs and MLCs on Monday met Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and submitted a formal complaint seeking an inquiry into alleged illegal mining and land grabbing activities involving Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy.
The delegation met the Governor at Raj Bhavan for nearly an hour and submitted documents alleging large-scale irregularities, including illegal mining operations and unlawful land encroachments linked to the Minister.
The BRS leaders demanded the immediate dismissal of the Minister and called for an independent judicial inquiry, preferably under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge, to ensure transparency.
They alleged that a firm linked to the Minister, Raghava Constructions, had carried out mining activities in violation of norms, including in restricted areas such as reservoir catchment zones, without obtaining mandatory clearances like pollution approvals, licences and other statutory permissions, resulting in substantial loss to the public exchequer.
The delegation also alleged that when the issue was raised in the Assembly, the ruling Congress government responded by suspending and expelling BRS legislators instead of addressing the matter.
They added that the government had acknowledged irregularities by issuing notices to the firm concerned.
Speaking to reporters, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) demanded either a legislative committee probe or an independent judicial inquiry into the allegations.
He expressed lack of confidence in state agencies and said a fair probe could not be ensured while the Minister continues in office.
He urged the Governor to intervene and direct an impartial investigation, either through a sitting High Court judge or central agencies.
The Governor reportedly assured the delegation that the matter would be examined.
KTR criticised the BJP for its silence on the issue and accused the state government of failing to act on corruption allegations.
He said the BRS would intensify its agitation until action is taken.
TNT TS
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