Further tightening the noose around YSR Congress Party leader and former MLA Vallabhaneni Vamsi, the Chandrababu Naidu-led government on Monday appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities committed by him in Gannavaram constituency during the YSRCP regime.
A government order (GO) issued on Monday evening cited an inquiry report by the Director General, Vigilance & Enforcement, detailing illegal mining activities and land-related offenses in the Gannavaram Assembly constituency.
The SIT will be led by Inspector General of Police (Eluru Range) G. V. G. Ashok Kumar and will include Eluru SP K. Prathap Siva Kishore and East Godavari SP D. Narasimha Kishore.
The team can co-opt additional officers if required and will function under the supervision and direction of the Director General of Police, Crime Investigation Department (CID).
According to the GO, the vigilance report establishes that Vamsi played a key role in the unlawful excavation of gravel and building stones in Krishna district, by organizing, financing, and protecting these illegal operations through his network of close associates.
"These activities have resulted in a substantial revenue loss to the state, estimated at approximately ₹195 crore, and have caused significant environmental damage," the GO stated.
The report further alleged that Vamsi, along with his associates, illegally acquired lands in Krishna district at minimal prices through coercion, threats, and other unlawful means, registering them under his name and that of his benamis.
Additionally, Vamsi is accused of illegally excavating earth from Panakala Cheruvu, generating illicit gains amounting to approximately ₹100 crore.
