SRIKAKULAM: After high drama for more than two weeks, Srikakulam assistant geologist and vigilance officer of Mines and Geology Department R Pratap Reddy rejoined duty in Srikakulam on Monday. The officer who cracked the whip on illegal mining in Srikakulam and also imposed fines amounting to `20 crore in three months was shunted out from Srikakulam on May 31 and since then he was not given any posting.
The officer cracked the whip on illegal companies, including the companies owned by TDP leaders like CM Ramesh’s Rithwik Construction Company, Sri Sailaxmi Construction Company and a few others.
The government deputed Ranga Kumar, an officer working in Vigilance and Enforcement wing of the Mines and Geology department at Rajamahendravaram as a successor to R Pratap Reddy.
However, it was learnt that due to some technical reasons, Ranga Kumar could not take charge at Srikakulam. There were allegations that the government transferred Pratap Reddy who cracked the whip on illegal mining in Srikakulam. Taking everything into account, the government reposted him in the same position.