Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath urged citizens to file complaints directly with the authority instead of relying on middlemen or impostors. He advised people to register their grievances during Praja Vani, which is conducted every Monday at the HYDRAA office.
The Commissioner warned that some individuals mislead the public by claiming close links with HYDRAA officials. “All our staff are working with honesty and dedication. Citizens should contact us directly for any issue,” he said. Ranganath reminded that in the past, cases were filed against fraudsters who posed as HYDRAA officials.
Fraud gang exposed
A recent case came to light involving a digital media reporter, a self-styled journalist, and a lawyer disqualified by the High Court Bar Council for using fake certificates. According to complaints, the lawyer masterminded the scheme, directing one person to broadcast news, another to claim influence with HYDRAA, and himself to collect money. The gang allegedly extorted ₹50 lakh from a victim, who later approached HYDRAA for justice.
Vertex Real Estate case under probe
The fraud emerged while HYDRAA was investigating allegations against Vertex Real Estate in Mankhal village under the Tukkuguda municipality. The company was accused of encroaching on Suram Cheruvu, dumping soil into Kothakunta lake and building a box drain. HYDRAA booked two cases against the firm.
Meanwhile, complainant Chaitanya Reddy alleged that Vertex had laid a road through his land. During hearings held in the presence of both parties, it was revealed that Reddy had paid ₹50 lakh to the fraudsters, believing they could influence HYDRAA’s actions. Following his complaint, HYDRAA lodged a case at Pahadi Shareef police station.
Inquiry revealed fraud
During the inquiry, Reddy explained how he was cheated. Evidence showed that the disqualified lawyer received ₹50 lakh, while one digital media reporter ran stories against Vertex and another pretended to negotiate with HYDRAA officials.
When confronted directly at HYDRAA, the gang’s claims collapsed. Video proof further exposed that the lawyer had taken a journalist to Vertex officials and instigated false reports against HYDRAA.
HYDRAA handed over all evidence to the Pahadi Shareef police on Thursday and requested strict action against those involved. Commissioner Ranganath said any attempt to misuse HYDRAA’s name for extortion would invite tough legal action.
