Telangana govt to press CBI for Kaleshwaram probe; CM, Uttam to meet Director
The Telangana government has decided to approach the CBI for a detailed investigation into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project, following the High Court’s ruling that rendered key findings of the Justice PC Ghose Commission “inoperative.”
Hyderabad: A day after the Telangana High Court held as “inoperative” key findings of the Justice PC Ghose Commission, the State government has decided to approach the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seeking a detailed probe into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project.
Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said he, along with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, would soon meet the CBI Director. The State will submit reports of the PC Ghose Commission, the NDSA, Vigilance department, and the CAG, urging the agency to begin an investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds.
The Minister said the Cabinet also discussed legal options, including approaching the Supreme Court of India or extending the tenure of the judicial commission. A Cabinet Sub-Committee would consult legal experts in the coming days.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and Uttam Kumar Reddy would hold consultations with senior advocate and Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi, along with the Advocate General, to finalise the next course of legal action.
According to the Minister, the Advocate General had submitted a 102-page copy of the High Court judgment to the State cabinet and outlined possible legal strategies.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the High Court had only pointed out certain procedural and technical lapses and had not declared the petitioners innocent or absolved them of responsibility. He questioned the celebrations by leaders of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
He maintained that the High Court order does not prevent a CBI probe. Despite the State’s request nine months ago, the CBI has yet to begin an investigation, he said, adding that the reasons for the delay were known to the public.
