Who is OSD N Sumanth? Why has Forest Minister Surekha taken cudgels with govt for him?
The question now is who is targeting whom in Telangana
By - Kaniza Garari
Hyderabad: A high drama unfolded at Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha's residence on 15th October night, when police task force officials arrived to detain her Officer on Special Duty (OSD) N Sumanth, who now stands dismissed.
What created a flutter in the political circles was reports that "the directions were from the top government leadership.”
Who is N Sumanth?
Before becoming OSD, N Sumanth was working on a contract basis at the Telangana Pollution Control Board. The dismissed OSD hails from Andhra Pradesh and became close to the Konda family during and post elections. There are allegations that N Sumanth was involved in large-scale corruption, bribery. He is also accused of mismanaging Medaram Jatra funds.
Telangana forest minister Konda Surekha during 2023 state elections. In the background, is her OSD( now dismissed) N Sumanth
In a recent case, N Sumanth got involved in high-profile cases due to which ministers in the Congress government complained against him to the chief minister, Revanth Reddy.
The CM's office asked the Telangana Pollution Control Board to investigate the case. The TPPCB found large-scale corruption, and Secretary Gugulothu Ravi terminated N Sumanth on October 14.
Task Force search
Later, police were asked to look out for N Sumanth. On Wednesday, they visited his house in Tellapur, but he was not present. The police then came to Minister Konda Surekha's residence. Since the minister was not there, her daughter confronted the police. She did not allow the police to search their home.
Minister Surekha calls Vem Narender
Minister Surekha was called home by her daughter, and they confronted the police. According to videos and the people at the home of Konda Surekha, "We don't know who these people were; they refused to provide details. We have called the media late at night and spoken to them on this issue. How can police come to the home of a sitting minister? Why?"
Konda Surekha called the office of the chief minister, Revanth Reddy, and spoke to Vem Narender Reddy, reportedly. Police left after an argument broke out between them and Minister Surekha's daughter.
OSD taken to Warangal
Konda Surekha has reportedly sent her OSD to Warangal. She has now taken up the issue with Revanth Reddy's office.
Who complained?
According to the buzz in political circles, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy complained about OSD Sumanth. Apart from him, there were earlier complaints from other ministers too.
Is OSD or the minister in trouble?
The question now is who is targeting whom in Telangana. A raid at a minister's home cannot be possible without the higher-ups giving clearance, explained sources in the Congress party. So is Minister Konda Surekha again the target?
