BRS For Independent Probe Into 'Violations' In Land Near HCU

Hyderabad: Stepping up attack on the Telangana government over the alleged tree felling on the land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad here, BRS leader K T Rama Rao on Thursday demanded that the Centre order an independent inquiry into alleged violations and financial irregularities if it is genuinely concerned about the issue.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on the issue, Rama Rao said the Centre should order a probe either by a Supreme Court judge or central agencies like CVC, CBI or SFIO if it was sincere in addressing the matter. "Investigation agency of your choice. We demand answers from the Union Government," Rama Rao, Working President of BRS, told reporters here.

He questioned the Centre's inaction despite the Central Empowered Committee appointed by the SC already highlighting concerns regarding financial impropriety and favoured an independent investigation.

According to him, the committee has opined that the land in question, prima facie, seems to be under the ownership of UoH. The panel also favoured the Apex Court to impose a stay on further actions by the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) to commercially exploit the land.

"Until the ownership and legality of the land use are settled by this honourable court, all ongoing or proposed actions to mortgage, lease or commercially exploit the land by TGIIC may be stayed by this honourable court to prevent further financial and legal complications," he quoted the committee as having said.