Punish KVP, YSR kin for graft: Naidu

Titanium scam caused termination of project worth Rs 4,500 cr resulting in job loss

Telugu Desam Party on Friday sought action against Congress Rajya Sabha MP KVP Ramachandra Rao and an unknown person mentioned as close relative to late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, which it believes to be his son and YSR Congress leader Jaganmohan Reddy, for their involvement in the titanium scam unearthed by the US Federal Bureau of Investigations. 

In his letter addressed to Director CBI and the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) released to press, TDP leader Nara Chandrababu Naidu said the report could cause serious damage to the reputation of Andhra Pradesh government and the government of India before the international community. 

Due to intimidation and heavy corruption the state had lost a project worth Rs 4,500 crore, which could have resulted in jobs to thousands of youths in the state. 

“In view of the seriousness of the case and involvement of people occupying high public places, there is an urgent need for causing detailed investigation into the matter. I request you to kindly initiate an enquiry to fix responsibility and take appropriate legal action the culprits,” he wrote.

Without directly mentioning Jaganmohan Reddy, Naidu said the investigation agency should also look into allegations that one person –mentioned as a relative of late chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy- was involved in receiving the bribes and intimidating the agencies. 

Meanwhile, Lok Satta Party national president Jayaprakash Narayan wanted the CBI to interact closely with the FBI, which unearthed the scam. 

In a statement here, Dr Narayan demanded a speedy investigation into the case and stringent punishment for the guilty. The culprits should be removed from office and given rigorous jail terms, Narayan said, also asking the government to confiscate their properties.