KAMAREDDY: A dispute over sand transport has led to a public confrontation between Jukkal MLA T Laxmi Kanth Rao and local police, with the MLA accusing officials of harassing beneficiaries of the Indiramma housing scheme and warning of a “revolt” if their attitude does not change.
Speaking in Kamareddy on Tuesday, the MLA criticised what he described as the “strange behaviour” of police officials in the Jukkal segment. He alleged that Indiramma housing scheme beneficiaries were being inconvenienced in the name of action against illegal sand transportation.
“Police have reduced my security escort. I do not mind even if they remove my gunman; I am a man of the people,” Laxmi Kanth remarked while addressing the issue.
The Congress MLA said he was committed to curbing illegal sand transportation but maintained that officials should not trouble genuine beneficiaries transporting sand for house construction under the government housing scheme.
He further alleged that some officials were harassing certain individuals, which led to protests over the sand issue in the constituency. He warned that if officials failed to change their attitude, they could face resistance from the public.
Responding to the allegations, Superintendent of Police M Rajesh Chandra denied that police were harassing legitimate beneficiaries of the housing scheme.
The SP said police action was being taken only against persons allegedly involved in illegal sand mining using JCB machines and transporting sand without valid permissions. He stated that action was initiated based on complaints received from revenue officials.
Rajesh Chandra also clarified that manual permissions for sand transportation were no longer being issued, as the system had shifted entirely online. “How can people transport sand without proper online permissions?” the SP questioned.