Rs 1,400 crore land scam rocks Assembly

metro india news  I hyderabad

The political showdown between the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy continues to dominate the spotlight in State politics. The escalating war of allegations, led by K. T. Rama Rao, has turned the controversy into a major flashpoint, intensifying the BRS vs Ponguleti battle. ON Monday the BRS Working President has levelled serious allegations against Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and his son, accusing them of orchestrating a massive Rs 1,400 crore land grab in Vattinagulapalli near the Outer Ring Road.

Addressing the media after personally visiting the site along with Harish Rao and other senior leaders, Rama Rao alleged that around 27 acres of prime land, owned by the Shah family for several decades, was being targeted through coercion and abuse of power. He stated that the land has been in the possession of Satish Shah and Pallavi Shah since the 1960s with clear ownership records, but attempts were made by the Minister’s family to pressure them into selling it for development purposes.

According to Rama Rao, when the family refused, they were subjected to harassment and intimidation. He further alleged that revenue officials conducted a fraudulent land survey in violation of High Court orders, forcing the family to secure a stay against both the survey and related panchanama proceedings.

The BRS leader also accused individuals linked to a private firm of carrying out violent acts on the land, including demolition of structures using heavy machinery, assault on workers, and issuing death threats. He claimed that political interference was evident as a police officer who initially registered an FIR in the matter was subsequently transferred.

Rama Rao linked the incident to what he described as a broader pattern of land-related irregularities under the Congress government led by Revanth Reddy. He alleged manipulation of land records and warned that officials involved in such acts would face consequences in the future. BRS leaders, including T. Harish Rao, visited the site to express solidarity with the affected family.

The party announced plans to pursue both legal and political action against the Minister.

Landowners allege threats and attacks

The Shah family, owners of the 27 acre property, have alleged repeated attacks, intimidation, and threats to their lives by persons reportedly linked to the Minister’s family.

Addressing the media with BRS delegation alongside, Satish Shah stated that what began as a request for a small portion of land gradually escalated into pressure to surrender the entire property. He alleged that unauthorized surveys were conducted without consent, though the High Court has since stayed such actions.

Pallavi Shah expressed fear for the family’s safety, stating they have faced multiple attacks since last year. She alleged that a large group arrived with bulldozers, demolished a cowshed and compound wall, and assaulted workers on the premises. The family claims they were threatened with being killed if they did not give up the land.

Despite obtaining relief from the court, the family has alleged lack of adequate police protection and restrictions on their access to their own property. They have appealed for immediate intervention, protection, and strict action against those responsible.

It’s a family dispute

Landowners from Vattinagulapalli have strongly refuted allegations linking Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and his family to the ongoing land dispute, asserting that the issue is purely a “family matter” and should not be politicised. Addressing a press conference at Somajiguda Press Club later in the afternoon after BRS's allegations against the Minister, the landowners as well as representatives of NewGen Developers clarified that the controversy revolves around internal boundary disagreements within the Shah family and is currently sub judice.

They dismissed claims made by BRS leaders, including K. T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao, as “one-sided” and lacking factual basis. Questioning the allegations, landowners said, “Is it fair to make accusations after hearing only one side? Let both sides be heard and the truth will emerge.” They further challenged the valuation claims, stating, “If the land is worth Rs 1,200 crore as alleged, are they ready to buy it for Rs 600 crore?”

The landowners asserted that no encroachments or illegal occupations have taken place and maintained that the dispute pertains to only about three acres of family land. They said, “This boundary issue is being unnecessarily complicated. Once resolved through proper survey and demarcation, the families will reunite,” adding that all evidence will be presented transparently for a fair judgment.

Avinav Shah, one of the landowners, said, “This is purely a family dispute. We don’t understand why it is being politicised. We request leaders like KTR and Harish Rao to hear our side as well.” He added, “Since 2020, we have been seeking a proper survey as per High Court directions. Let a fair survey determine ownership, and the land should be handed over accordingly.”

Akshay Shah echoed similar sentiments, stating, “This is entirely a family issue. We have repeatedly requested that there be no political interference. We only want an impartial survey to resolve boundary issues.”

Sudheer Kumar Shah explained, “The land has remained within our family since 1969. Minor discrepancies in distribution among family members are natural. A proper survey using modern methods will settle the issue.”

Siddharth Gade, Managing Partner of NewGen Developers, clarified, “We are only developers executing projects on legally allotted land. We have no role in the Shah family dispute.” He added, “Dragging Minister Ponguleti or our partner Harsha into this for political reasons is unfair and damaging.” He further noted, “False campaigns are affecting our company’s reputation and troubling employees and stakeholders.”

The landowners emphasized that no encroachment or illegal land grabbing has occurred and reiterated their demand for an official survey to establish facts and resolve the dispute amicably.

BRS urges Governor to act against Minister

The Bharat Rashtra Samithi has intensified its attack on the State government, demanding the immediate dismissal of Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy over allegations of corruption and illegal mining activities. The party has also called for a comprehensive and independent probe into the matter.

A delegation of BRS MLAs and MLCs has submitted a formal complaint to the Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Monday, urging intervention and immediate action. The party warned that if the government fails to respond, it will escalate the issue through public agitation

According to BRS leaders, the allegations gained momentum after senior leader T Harish Rao presented documentary evidence, reportedly sourced from government records, linking a company associated with the Minister’s family to illegal mining operations. The party alleged that the firm, identified as Raghava Constructions, carried out mining activities in violation of established norms and without obtaining mandatory clearances.

BRS Working President KT Rama Rao questioned the government’s inaction despite what he described as “clear evidence” of irregularities. He alleged that the Minister’s wife, son, and brother were directly connected to the company and that Ponguleti himself had previously served as its chairman. KTR further accused the government of selectively targeting other firms while shielding the company linked to the Minister.

The party has demanded either the constitution of a House Committee or a judicial inquiry led by a sitting High Court judge to ensure transparency. Expressing lack of confidence in state agencies, BRS leaders argued that an independent probe was essential, particularly since the Minister continues to hold office and could influence the investigation.