Vijayawada: In a major corruption expose, former AP Mines Department Director Venkata Reddy has come under scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating a scheme to import low-cost Chinese machines for cutting survey stones at inflated rates. This came to light during the land resurvey initiative by the previous administration, where AP Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) was responsible for supplying survey stones.
Reddy, also MD of APMDC, reportedly sought to set up 20 cutting and polishing units in Chimakurti and Chittoor, intending to profit significantly. While similar machines in Rajasthan cost around Rs. 3 crore, Reddy attempted to procure them from China for Rs. 8 crore each. Boselow, on deputation from Visakha Steel Plant, allegedly assisted in this setup.
Dhanvanthari Associates, a firm linked to Reddy’s associate Krishnaprasad, was reportedly favored in tenders worth Rs. 160 crore. Reddy even pressured APMDC to release a 20% advance payment, sparking objections from the finance department. Investigations by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) are underway, with top officials and APMDC’s board looking into suspicious procurement processes and undue influence over tenders.
