metro india news  I hyderabad

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, convened at the state secretariat and approved several crucial proposals spanning governance, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Among the major decisions, the Cabinet approved the restructuring of the District Panchayat Officers (DPO) cadre, ensuring a more efficient reporting system to enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to amendments in the Private Universities Act, paving the way for changes in the state’s higher education policies. Additionally, the establishment of a Digital Nerve Center in Kuppam was approved to strengthen digital governance.

To address medical staff shortages, the Health and Family Welfare Department received approval to recruit 372 Civil Assistant Surgeons. In a significant boost to industrial and agricultural sectors, the government sanctioned free land allocations for an MSME park in Seethampeta and an Agriculture College in Rajahmundry.

Further, 116 acres were allotted for the revitalization of the old Havelock Bridge in Rajahmundry, an initiative expected to enhance tourism and heritage conservation. The Cabinet also approved the allocation of four liquor shops to the Sondi community and greenlit the 2024-29 Tourism Land Allotment Policy to facilitate structured tourism development in the state.

Following the official agenda, the Cabinet held an extended discussion on the suspicious death of Watchman Ranganna, a key witness in the murder case of former MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. The case has been under intense scrutiny due to the pattern of unexplained deaths among witnesses, raising serious concerns within the government.

During the discussion, the Director General of Police (DGP) briefed the Cabinet on the circumstances surrounding Ranganna’s death. The ministers noted the similarities between Ranganna’s death and the initial portrayal of Vivekananda Reddy’s murder as a heart attack, suspecting foul play.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu stated that the government must take full responsibility for protecting key witnesses, especially in sensitive cases like the Vivekananda Reddy murder. He drew parallels with the Paritala Ravi murder case, where several witnesses also died under mysterious circumstances.

“Ranganna’s death is undoubtedly suspicious,” Naidu remarked. “Regardless of the case being under CBI jurisdiction, it is our duty to ensure the safety of witnesses. If there is no ill intent, why did Sakshi Media attempt to falsely accuse the police so quickly?” he questioned.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also expressed concern, stating that the repeated deaths of witnesses were alarming and warranted further investigation. The Cabinet noted that seven individuals connected to the case had died under mysterious circumstances, including a driver who had transported Jagan Mohan Reddy and Bharathi from Hyderabad to Pulivendula on the night of Vivekananda Reddy’s murder.

The discussion also touched upon threats received by another key witness, Dastagiri, further intensifying suspicions. The Cabinet concluded by emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and legal measures to ensure witness safety as the case progresses.