Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into allegations of large-scale land encroachment involving former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy. The directive comes amid reports that approximately 75 acres of forest land have been illegally occupied in the Mangalampeta forest area of Chittoor district.

In response to the allegations, the state government has constituted a joint committee to conduct a thorough inquiry. The committee includes Chittoor District Collector Sumit, Superintendent of Police Manikanta Chandolu, and Anantapur Conservator of Forests Yashoda Bai. This high-level panel has been tasked with gathering evidence and submitting a detailed report to the government, based on which further action will be taken.

According to sources, a preliminary report on the issue has already been submitted to the Chief Minister. Initial findings suggest that the encroached forest land has been developed into a private estate, featuring a luxury guest house and an illegally constructed access road.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests, Pawan Kalyan, has also ordered an independent investigation into the case. Emphasizing the seriousness of the matter, he has directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) to provide a preliminary report at the earliest and initiate legal action against those responsible for the encroachment.

Pawan Kalyan has stressed the need for a meticulous examination of forest land records in the Punganur constituency to determine the extent of the illegal occupation. Officials have been instructed to verify whether official records were tampered with and to identify individuals involved in any irregularities. The final report is expected to outline who benefited from the encroachment and whether any government documents were manipulated to facilitate it.

The Andhra Pradesh government has assured strict action against any violations and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting forest lands from unauthorized occupation. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the findings of the committee, which will determine the next course of action in what is shaping up to be a major land encroachment scandal.