Published Mar 28, 2026 | 7:40 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 28, 2026 | 7:40 PM
Revanth Reddy said his government is focused on improving mining revenues.
Synopsis: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy ordered the CID probe after BRS MLA T Harish Rao levelled grave allegations against Raghava Constructions. The Chief Minister, however, said the probe will extend to the alleged illegal mining that had taken place during the previous BRS regime.
In a significant development, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday, 28 March, ordered a CID probe into the activities of Raghava Constructions, allegedly linked to Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, and into the reported illegal mining operations during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime.
Responding to allegations raised by former minister and BRS MLA T Harish Rao in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government was committed to uncovering the truth. He asserted that irregularities affecting state revenues would not be tolerated.
The CID probe will examine alleged sand mafia operations in Sircilla. It will look into the role of BRS’s former MP Santosh Rao and his father Ravinder Rao in the Nerella sand reaches. The investigation will also cover suspected irregularities in granite mining.
Revanth Reddy flagged firms such as Sirisha Granites and Midwest Granites. The latter is reportedly linked to relatives of a BRS leader. He said Swetha Granites, allegedly connected to the family of former minister Gangula Kamalakar, was already under scrutiny, including by central agencies. The probe will further extend to Gayatri Granites, linked to Rajya Sabha member Vaddiraju Ravichandra, over suspected illegal mining.
“Since the Opposition has demanded an inquiry into Raghava Constructions, I am ordering it. At the same time, illegal activities of BRS leaders and their relations during their tenure will also be investigated,” the Chief Minister said.
Revanth Reddy said his government was focused on improving mining revenues. However, he alleged that vested interests were resorting to “blackmail” and “mud-slinging” after the government refused to yield to pressure.
He said notices had already been issued to Raghava Constructions. Penalties were imposed based on findings of the Mining Department.
“Attempts are being made to malign a minister and corner the government. We will not succumb,” he said, adding that the CID probe would establish the facts.
Earlier, Harish Rao levelled serious allegations against Raghava Constructions. He claimed the firm was operating an illegal stone crusher unit in Survey Nos. 62 and 63 of Kotwalguda village in Shamshabad Mandal. The area falls under GO 111, where polluting industries are prohibited.
He alleged that the company lacked key approvals. These include a Mining Department Licence (MDL), Consent for Establishment (CFE), and Consent for Operation (CFO). He also claimed the firm was not registered with the Industries Department.
According to Harish Rao, the Director General of Mines and Geology had ordered a statewide inspection drive on 21 May 2025. A joint inspection the next day by officials from multiple departments reportedly found violations at the site. A show-cause notice was then issued.
He said the company neither responded nor submitted documents. Subsequent communications in August 2025 and May 2026 flagged illegal mining and urged action. A fresh inspection on 4 March 2026 led to another show-cause notice on 13 March, he added.
Harish Rao questioned why no stringent action had been taken so far. He pointed out that operating without licences can attract imprisonment of up to one year.
He also claimed there was evidence linking the land to Raghava Constructions and alleged that Congress flags had been put up at the site. He dared authorities to act against him if his allegations were proven false, even inviting the harshest punishment, such as hanging.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
