In a startling revelation, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary, V. Srinivasa Rao, has called for a comprehensive judicial probe into an alleged fake land deed racket in Prakasam district. Addressing a press conference in Ongole on 24.10.2023, Tuesday, Rao alleged that certain unscrupulous real estate agents, in collusion with leaders from the ruling YSR Congress Party and officials from Revenue and Registration departments, had orchestrated the scam in several areas, including Ongole, Kangiri, and Markapur in Prakasam district.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao argued that the ongoing inquiry by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Prakasam police would not be sufficient, citing alleged political pressure faced by the police in 16 cases registered in the district. He specifically pointed to the actions of Ongole MLA Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, who allegedly sought the transfer of officials involved in the investigation after approaching the Chief Minister’s office.
The CPI(M) leader vehemently urged for a probe led by a sitting judge, emphasizing that only such an investigation could uncover the truth behind the alleged scam. He criticized the government’s handling of the situation and called for transparency and accountability.
Moreover, Srinivasa Rao extended his concerns beyond the immediate issue, highlighting what he perceived as a conspiracy regarding an alleged liquor scam in the state. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating the situation for political gains, calling out BJP State president D. Purandeswari for her silence on the matter after initially demanding transparency from the government regarding liquor contracts.
Questions on Government and Opposition!
In addition to these demands, Rao implored both the ruling YSR Congress Party and the opposition parties, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP), to unite in isolating the BJP at the Centre. He criticized the BJP for what he described as biased treatment towards Andhra Pradesh post-bifurcation and its undue favoritism towards corporate entities, particularly through the contentious monetization of public sector units such as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, allegedly sold off at meagre prices.
Expressing concern for the agricultural sector, Rao mentioned the looming threat of severe drought in Prakasam district and other parts of the state. He demanded immediate compensation of ₹25,000 per acre for each affected farmer, emphasizing the urgency of the matter to prevent further distress in the farming community.
As the allegations and demands continue to echo through the political landscape, the fate of the probe and its potential consequences remain uncertain.
