No clean chit to anyone in Kaleshwaram case: Uttam

Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy clarified that the recent High Court verdict on the Justice PC Ghose Commission report does not absolve individuals involved in the Kaleshwaram project irregularities. He emphasised that the court upheld the commission’s constitution and findings.

Hyderabad: Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy asserted that the High Court verdict on the Justice PC Ghose Commission report does not grant a clean chit to anyone involved in the Kaleshwaram project irregularities.

In a statement, the Minister clarified that the court upheld the constitution of the commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, and did not find fault with its findings. He stated that the relief granted to certain individuals was purely procedural, as notices were not issued in the prescribed format, making specific remarks inoperative.

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Uttam Kumar Reddy said the verdict does not obstruct the proposed CBI inquiry into the alleged irregularities of the project. The State government has already written to the Centre seeking a probe into alleged irregularities and failures. Terming the collapse of the project as a visible fact, he pointed to the sinking of a Medigadda barrage block in October 2023.

He alleged that flaws existed at every stage, including site selection, design, construction, and maintenance. Citing reports by the National Dam Safety Authority, Vigilance Commission, and the Ghose Commission, he said the government would take further action upon reviewing the full judgment.