Sheep distribution 'scam' during BRS regime: ED raids 8 locations in Telangana

Hyderabad: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at eight locations across Hyderabad on Wednesday in connection as part of its investigation into the alleged sheep distribution scam.

The scam, suspected to have occurred during the previous BRS government's tenure, is estimated to involve approximately Rs 700 crore in misappropriated funds.

The searches targeted premises linked to several accused individuals, including G Kalyan, who served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to former BRS minister Talasani Srinivasa Yadav.

The Telangana government's Sheep Distribution and Development Scheme (SRDS), launched in 2017, was designed to support shepherd families by providing 20 sheep and one ram per unit with a 75% subsidy. During the scheme's initial phase, over 1.28 crore sheep were distributed to beneficiaries.

However, subsequent investigation revealed significant financial irregularities. Funds were misappropriated through inflated procurement bills, fake transportation records, and benami accounts.

Based on its investigation, the  Anti-Corruption Bureau has filed cases against several government officials, including Sabavath Ramachander, former managing director of the Telangana State Sheep and Goat Development Cooperative Federation, and Kalyan Kumar, former officer on special duty to the then minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries and Cinematography.