Congress team visits Janwada farmhouse, alleges violations and benami ownership

A delegation of Congress MPs and MLCs visited the farmhouse at Janwada in Rangareddy district, which has been linked to BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, and alleged that the property was constructed in violation of norms and that its stated ownership was being used to conceal Mr. Rao’s alleged interest in it.

The Congress leaders, including Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi, Whip Adi Srinivas, MLC Addanki Dayakar sought details of the land and construction from the authorities. They alleged that the farmhouse had been constructed by encroaching upon a nala, and without the requisite permissions, and demanded that the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRAA) and municipal authorities conduct a detailed inquiry.

Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy questioned how the land came into the possession of one B. Pradeep Reddy, who claims to be a childhood friend of Mr. Rao. The Congress leaders sought verification of the ownership documents and the financial transactions relating to the property.

The Congress delegation also alleged that portions of the land had links to properties associated with businessman Satyam Ramalinga Raju and called for an investigation by the appropriate agencies.

Mr. Mallu Ravi said the purpose of the visit was to bring alleged irregularities in land ownership and construction to public notice. The leaders said they had reported the matter to HYDRAA and municipal officials to check on the alleged violations.

The visit led to tension in the area, with a heavy police deployment. Signboards declaring the property private and warning against trespassing were put up at the farmhouse.

Earlier, Mr. Pradeep Reddy in a statement said the property belonged to him. He said he had purchased four acres in 2019 and had subsequently leased the property to Mr. Rao. He also claimed that he was prepared to produce the relevant documents.