Andhra Pradesh

Yeleru scam: independent probe to ensure relief to victims

By Our Special Correspondent

B.K. Somasekhara holding preliminary sitting in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

HYDERABAD, NOV. 24. B. K. Somasekhara on Wednesday said that an independent investigation would be conducted to ensure relief for several poor people whose compensation was `swallowed' in the Yeleru land scam.

Justice Somasekhara, who is heading the one-man inquiry into the scam, in an informal chat with reporters said the commission had received about 500 such applications at Visakhapatnam. He would suggest to the Government to pay relief after verifying the facts.

Pointing out that one of the terms of reference of the commission was to suggest steps to prevent scams while acquiring lands, he said that an alternative legislation, if necessary, would be recommended.

Time sought

The commission began a two-day preliminary sitting here after its revival by the Government. In all, 17 persons appeared before the commission, either in person or through their counsels, including the Special Chief Secretary, T.K. Dewan, the former Chief Secretary, M.S. Rajajee, and sought time ranging from a week to 15 days for participating in the inquiry. The same was granted.

Mr. Dewan requested a week's time to engage an advocate and for perusing the documents. The counsels on behalf of Mr. Rajajee and the Secretary GAD, V. Sarmarao (IAS), also sought more time. Another retired IAS officer, Sukhender Reddy, who was formerly a joint secretary, irrigation, made a similar plea.

Cine artiste, P. Mallakrjuna Rao, appeared in person and said that he had deposed earlier that he did not get full compensation for the loss of his land. Justice Somasekhara directed that his case be included along with similar petitions received recently at Visakhapatnam.

During the submissions, Justice Somasekhara said that the commission was contemplating providing legal aid in deserving cases.

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