Transport Minister Ramprasad Reddy alleged that large-scale land grabbing had taken place in the state during the YSRCP regime and the former minister Peddireddy Ramachadnra Reddy’s family had committed land grabbing to the tune of more than 15,000 acres in 14 mandals.
He said that YCP leaders have grabbed over 1.5 lakh acres of land throughout the state. Stating that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is serious about exposing such land grabbing and taking action against those responsible, the minister said that an inquiry was ordered into irregular land transfers.
He made it clear that burning of files at Madanapalle Sub- Collector’s office was not a fire accident but an intentional plot to destroy evidence that shows Peddireddy and his associates land grabbing irregularities. He deplored that some officials were also involved in this conspiracy and warned strict action will be taken against all such officials.
Ramprasad Reddy said that YCP leaders like Peddireddy created unrest by provoking physical attacks on political opponents and in turn trying to create an impression that TDP government is responsible for such violent incidents.
He strongly refuted Peddireddy and others’ claim of additional protection and said that if the locals are protesting about the land grabbing in Punganur for years, it is not appropriate to present it as an attack and seek protection in the High Court.
The minister clarified that a white paper has already been released on land encroachments and that 1.3 lakh acres of land worth Rs.40,000 crores have been encroached upon. He said that the revenue department is conducting raids in the areas of land grabbing and 900 acres have been recovered in Pulicharla mandal itself.
“During the YCP regime there was a large-scale land grab in the state. 1.5 lakh acres of land was grabbed by YSRCP leaders. The Peddireddy family looted 15 to 20 thousand acres. There was a conspiracy behind the burning of files in Madanapalle Sub-Collectorate. Some officials did it for Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy”, he added.