Minister admits of Rs 200 Cr scam in Fisheries Dept

Hyderabad, June 21 : Animal Husbandry Minister P Vishwaroop on Friday admitted misappropriation of more than Rs 200 crore in the construction of government buildings in Fisheries Department during 2005-2008.

Replying to a question raised by Congress MLA P Shankar Rao during Question Hour in the State Legislative Assembly, the minister said that Justice Pandu Ranga Rao Commission was constituted to enquire into the matter.

Disclosing the findings of the commission, Vishwaroop said that commissioner recommended severe action against the then EE V Suryanarayana for violating the procedure, rules and instruction in vogue in execution of the Civil Works and action as was warranted against other responsible officials.

Based on the Commission’s recommendations, four disciplinary cases have been initiated against the then EE which are pending finalisation. All departments who have incomplete works were requested by the Commissioner of Fisheries, to get the works valued by the R&B Department or PR Department and entrust the balance works to new executing agencies by obtaining financial sanctions if necessary and following all rules and procedures and get the works restarted and to complete them.

The Commissioner of Fisheries has requested the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner to investigate thoroughly about the bank accounts operated by Suryanarayana and take action against him under the relevant section of the IPC. After following the procedure laid down in the rules, Suryanarayana has been dismissed from service on April 28, 2012, in a disproportionate assets case, the minister said.

Further, the minister said disciplinary cases against two former Fisheries Commissioners were dropped after following due procedure. The disciplinary case against former Secretary to BC Welfare Department is pending consideration, he said. INN