Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA) Commissioner A. V. Ranganath has taken serious note of reports that some unscrupulous individuals are extorting money from builders by threatening to file complaints against their illegal constructions with the agency.
Ranganath issued a statement on Wednesday, warning of stern action, including jail time, for anyone caught extorting money from people by threatening to lodge complaints with the agency.
According to Ranganath, there have been reports that a few people, posing as social activists, have been approaching builders and blackmailing them by claiming their structures are in Full Tank Level or buffer zones of lake areas.
“They are claiming close contacts with senior officials in the agency and threatening the builders that complaints would be lodged with HYDRAA unless they pay up,” the commissioner said in the statement.
He added that even residents of high-rise structures are being approached by these individuals, who are demanding money in exchange for assurances that they would influence HYDRAA to take no action against their properties.
The HYDRAA commissioner further urged people not to believe such individuals. He emphasized that if any person, including officials from the Revenue, Municipal Administration, Irrigation, or other departments, demands money, builders, companies, households, and others should lodge a complaint with the police, ACB, or HYDRAA.
