SIDDIPET, October 11: The Telangana government has suspended Gajwel Tehsildar Chittampalli Swamy following public outrage over his alleged derogatory remarks against a farmer who approached him with a land-related grievance. The action came after a video showing the official’s remarks went viral on social media.
Siddipet District Collector K. Haimavathi issued the suspension orders based on a preliminary inquiry report submitted by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO). The report reportedly found the official’s conduct inappropriate.
As part of the suspension order, Swamy has been directed not to leave his headquarters without obtaining prior permission.
Viral Video Triggers Public Outrage
In the video circulating on social media, the tehsildar is allegedly heard asking the farmer, “Are you still alive? Have you not consumed pesticides yet?”
The farmer, identified as Yesu from Maktha Masanpally village in Gajwel mandal, appeared distressed by the remarks and questioned the official about whether he had made them intentionally. The official reportedly responded, “Yes, I did. Of course, I did.”
The video triggered widespread criticism, with farmers and other members of the public demanding action against the revenue official.
Following the controversy, the district administration directed the RDO to investigate the incident. The Collector subsequently ordered the suspension after receiving the preliminary inquiry report.
Dispute Over Regional Ring Road Compensation
Another video of the farmer has surfaced on social media, in which Yesu reportedly stated that the incident occurred five to six months ago.
According to the farmer, he had approached the Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) over a dispute with his relatives concerning compensation for land acquired for the Regional Ring Road (RRR).
Yesu said village representatives, including the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch, accompanied him to the MRO office to explain the issue.
The farmer reportedly stated that the land-related dispute was eventually resolved after the compensation amount was credited to his bank account.
Revenue Department Action
The suspension follows the preliminary inquiry into the official’s alleged conduct and the public reaction to the viral video.
The incident has brought attention to the importance of appropriate conduct by public officials while addressing citizens’ grievances, particularly those involving land disputes and compensation.
Further action in the matter will depend on the outcome of the departmental proceedings and any subsequent inquiry.
