Farmers celebrate ACB arrest of Hanamkonda Additional Collector Venkat Reddy

Farmers from Urugonda village celebrated the ACB arrest of Hanamkonda Additional Collector A Venkat Reddy, alleging he obstructed compensation for their land acquired for a Greenfield Highway. They demanded his dismissal and recall his past suspensions and corruption allegations.

Hanamkonda: Several farmers from Urugonda village of Damera mandal in the district celebrated in front of the Hanamkonda collectorate after the arrest of Hanamkonda Additional Collector A Venkat Reddy by ACB.

It might be recalled that Venkat Reddy, the in-charge district educational officer (DEO), and two education department staff were caught by ACB on Friday for demanding a bribe of Rs 60,000 for the renewal of a private school in Hanamkonda.

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A group of farmers whose lands were acquired for a Greenfield Highway arrived at the collectorate in a rally on Saturday carrying a flex banner with Venkat Reddy’s photo on it. They burst firecrackers and distributed sweets.

Speaking to the media, the villagers said they were happy that Venkat Reddy, who prevented them from getting proper compensation for their lands, was caught by ACB. They complained that despite orders from the district Collector and Greenfield Highway officials for the payment of compensation, Venkat Reddy forced them to give him money.

The farmers demanded that Venkat Reddy be removed from government service and that the assets acquired beyond his income be confiscated immediately. They recalled that in 2008, while working as the RDO of Nalgonda, he was suspended on charges of having assets beyond his income and later faced corruption charges while working as the RDO of Jangaon.

But there was no change in Venkat Reddy and he continued his corrupt practices. If he was allowed to continue in service, it would cause problems for the people, the farmers alleged. The farmers’ celebration has now become a topic of discussion in political and official circles.