Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090852030300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

MLA demands probe into ‘misuse’ of railway pass

Correspondent

VIZIANAGARAM: Padala Aruna, TDP MLA from Gajapathinagaram has demanded that the Railway Vigilance wing appoint a committee to inquire into the alleged misuse of higher railway official’s privilege pass of Minister Botcha Satyanarayana by men of K. Veerabhadra Swamy, MLA, on Tirupati – Visakhapatnam Express train in the first week of this month.

At a press conference here on Sunday, Ms. Aruna wanted to know whether the minister signed the HRO or some one else signed on behalf of him and travelled by the train. Moreover, the MLA claimed that he paid Rs.4,000 for the fare from Nidadavole to Rajahmundry when, in fact, his men travelled from Tirupati. Ms. Aruna said the Minister had once again, after the Volkswagen scam, brought disrepute to the district. She alleged that Mr. Satyanarayana while he was Member of Parliament misused the HRO and wondered why the Congress Government made no statement on such a serious issue.

But, at the same time, it would not hesitate to register cases against TDP leaders and cadres if they staged protest demonstrations on issues of public interest, she said.

Party urban committee president I.V.P. Raju said the party would put the issue before people from Monday for their opinion. Councillor V.S. Prasad and others were present.