The Hindu Business Line : AP Chief Minister orders probe into Fisheries official’s dealings

Hyderabad, Dec. 21 Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, has ordered a judicial probe into the alleged fraudulent dealings of Mr V. Suryanarayana, an Executive Engineer of Fisheries Department.

The controversy put the Government in a spot, with alleged involvement of some ministers and senior officials in the scam. Mr Suryanarayana is in judicial custody in connection with the cases related to assets disproportionate to his income.

“Reacting to the reports published in the media about the high profile contacts the suspended engineer bagged, the Chief Minister ordered a thorough enquiry,” a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Though Mr Suryanarayana worked in the Fisheries Department, it was alleged that he managed to get contracts from other Departments using his political and official connections.

Minister’s denial

Mr Botcha Satyanarayana, Minister for Housing, denied media reports of his involvement in the scam. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, he blamed the Telugu Desam Government for diverting funds to the tune of Rs 30 crore from Marketing Department to Fisheries Department for “development of marketing facilities in fish and prawn products”.

CM’s record

Meanwhile, Dr Rajasekhara Reddy has achieved a distinction of being the longest serving (in a single term) Congress Chief Minister in the State.

More Stories on : Economic Offences | Aquaculture | Andhra Pradesh

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