Thursday, 20 March 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Telangana— , Cyberabad Police seized 3,750 kg of spurious cotton seeds, drunk driver causes chaos in Hyderabad
Published Mar 21, 2025 | 12:22 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 21, 2025 | 12:22 AM
Police seize 3,750 kg of spurious cotton seeds
Synopsis: In Thursday’s wrap of Telangana news— Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Anumula criticised KTR for questioning the state’s ability to host the Miss World pageant, emphasising its potential to boost Telangana’s global visibility. Meanwhile,a drunk driver caused chaos in Hyderabad’s Mansoorabad area, injuring a biker. The SLBC tunnel rescue operation entered its 26th day with intensified efforts to save trapped workers
Telangana Chief Minister, Revanth Anumula, took a sharp jab at BRS Party Working President, KT Rama Rao (KTR), over his criticism regarding the state’s plans to host the Miss World pageant.
Speaking candidly, Anumula addressed KTR’s skepticism about hosting the prestigious event in Telangana, stating, “People are talking about the Telangana Model. How will you hold Miss World here?”
Anumula countered, “What is your problem? I can understand what it is. People are coming to Telangana from over 140 countries, and they won’t just stay in Hyderabad but travel across the state.”
Drawing comparisons, he pointed out, “This event has occurred 72 times, with Mumbai hosting it once, and now it’s Telangana’s turn. Over 3,000 media channels and outlets will descend on the state, staying for a month.”
He expressed confidence that the event would significantly boost Telangana’s global visibility. “Hyderabad will become a global landmark,” he added, emphasising the potential economic gains. “We’ll make hundreds of crores from the ₹20 crore we’re spending on the event.”
Anumula also took aim at KTR personally, remarking, “Why didn’t you bring the pageant to Hyderabad despite studying in America? You looted money under the guise of Formula-E,” calling out KTR for his failure to bring similar opportunities to the city.
In a major crackdown, the Cyberabad Police seized 3,750 kg of illegal BG-III cotton seeds in Hyderabad. The operation was carried out by the Special Operations Team (SOT) of Medchal Zone, in collaboration with the Agricultural Department and Shamirpet Police.
One individual was arrested for involvement in the illegal transportation of the spurious seeds, while two others, including a supplier from Karnataka, remain absconding.
The operation resulted in the seizure of the banned cotton seeds, one DCM vehicle, and a mobile phone, valued at an estimated ₹98.75 lakh.
BG-III cotton seeds are prohibited due to their harmful effects on agriculture and the environment, including soil degradation, environmental pollution, and an increased reliance on hazardous herbicides like Glyphosate, which pose cancer risks.
Additionally, the use of these seeds has led to the rise of herbicide-resistant super weeds.
A case has been filed under Section 318(4) of the BNS, Section 15(1) of the EPA, and Section 19 of the Seeds Act. Authorities have warned against the sale and use of spurious seeds and are continuing their efforts to track down the remaining suspects.
A car driven by an allegedly drunk driver caused a major disturbance in Hyderabad’s Mansoorabad area, LB Nagar.
The driver, identified as Prabhakar Reddy, hit a bike and dragged it for over 500 meters before crashing into another car. The biker, Divyansh, sustained serious injuries in the incident.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the matter, and Prabhakar Reddy has been taken into custody.
The rescue operation at the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel has entered its 26th day, with teams continuing their relentless efforts to locate and rescue the seven workers still trapped inside the collapsed tunnel.
Despite numerous challenges, including water accumulation and heavy debris, authorities have intensified their efforts by deploying high-capacity pumps and specialised machinery to clear the obstruction.
On Thursday, 20 March, senior officials convened at the SLBC Inlet 1 Office in Domalapenta, Nagarkurnool District, for a progress review.
The meeting was attended by Army General Commanding Officer Major Ajay Mishra, Disaster and Management Special Chief Secretary Arvind Kumar, Nagarkurnool District Collector Badawat Santosh, and District SP Vaibhav Gaikwad Raghunath.
The operation is being conducted in five continuous shifts daily, with dedicated teams working around the clock at 7 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM, and 11 PM.
A specialised communication system has been set up to closely monitor activities inside the tunnel, with powerful vacuum pumps and advanced excavation tools deployed to tackle the ongoing challenges, particularly the spring water that has slowed progress.
Officials expressed their appreciation for the tireless efforts of various rescue agencies, including the Army, Singareni Mines Rescue Team, NDRF, SDRF, Geological Survey of India (GSI), HYDRA, Anvi Robotics, South Central Railway, and the Cadaver Dog Squad.
Major Mishra commended the dedication of all personnel involved, acknowledging their unwavering commitment over nearly four weeks.
