`No liaison agents, no touts’: HYDRAA busts gang which extracted Rs 50L from man, promising to settle dispute

Hyderabad: HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath has appealed to citizens not to rely on self-styled “liaison agents” or touts after a gang extracted Rs 50 lakh from a man promising to get disputes settled with the agency.

Complaints, he said, should be placed only before HYDRAA officers, preferably at the weekly Prajavani grievance programme held at his office every Monday.

“HYDRAA staff work with integrity. Do not pay anyone claiming connections to our officers,” the Commissioner stressed.

Fake liaison network unmasked

An organised fraud came to light after a complainant alleged that three individuals extracted Rs 50 lakh by promising to “settle” his dispute through HYDRAA.

One was a lawyer already struck off the High Court Bar Council for forged certificates. Two others posed as “digital media reporters,” broadcasting selective stories and claiming close ties to HYDRAA officials.

The trio projected that one would “air the news,” another would “speak to HYDRAA,” while the lawyer would “handle the money.”

Vertex Real Estate row sparks probe

The episode surfaced while HYDRAA was inquiring into complaints against Vertex Real Estate in Mankhal village, Tukkuguda Municipality.

Residents alleged encroachment of Suram Cheruvu, dumping of soil in Kothakunta, and construction of a box drain through disputed land.

HYDRAA has already registered two cases against the developer. Separately, complainant Chaitanya Reddy alleged that Vertex laid a road across his land.

Cheating trail exposed

During hearings in the presence of both parties, Chaitanya Reddy disclosed that he had paid Rs 50 lakh to an “intermediary” who assured favourable action.

Cross-verification revealed the involvement of the dismissed lawyer and two self-styled reporters. HYDRAA booked a formal cheating case at Pahadishareef Police Station.

Evidence of Manipulation

Video clips and testimonies showed one reporter airing allegations that HYDRAA was shielding Vertex, another pretending to have “direct access” to senior officers, and the lawyer orchestrating the entire money-collection exercise.

The investigation concluded that HYDRAA’s impartial proceedings were deliberately misrepresented to pressure Vertex and mislead the complainant.

Reaffirming zero tolerance for name misuse, Commissioner Ranganath said, “Anyone collecting money in HYDRAA’s name will face strict legal action. Citizens should bring issues straight to us. We guarantee transparent hearings in front of all parties.”