TPCC President Revanth Reddy Warns of Legal Action Against IAS Officer Arvind Kumar
Hyderabad, June 13, 2023
TPCC President Revanth Reddy has issued a press note warning IAS officer Arvind Kumar of civil and criminal actions if he fails to withdraw the legal notice served to him on May 25. The legal notice pertains to the controversy surrounding the lease of the Outer Ring Road (ORR).
In response to the legal notice, Revanth Reddy, through his advocate, addressed the allegations raised by Arvind Kumar. Revanth accuses Arvind Kumar, who serves as the Principal Secretary of the Municipal Department and Metropolitan Commissioner, of acting like a politician instead of adhering to the service rules expected of an IAS officer. According to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968, IAS officers are required to act neutrally without political motives.
Revanth Reddy alleges that Arvind Kumar, while handling the ORR toll collection tender, disregarded regulations and favored the ruling party. Revanth represents the Malkajgiri Parliament constituency, a significant portion of which falls under the ORR. He criticizes the decision to award the toll collection tender to IRB for a period of 30 years at a price of only Rs. 7380 crores, which compromises the government’s potential revenue. Revanth also highlights the violation of rules by appointing a retired officer instead of an IAS officer to oversee the tender process.
Furthermore, Revanth raises concerns about the tender period, stating that it extends beyond the expiration of the HMDA Master Plan in 2031, potentially causing complications. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recommended a tender period of 15-20 years, but the 30-year period was chosen without considering NHAI’s objections.
Revanth Reddy expresses dissatisfaction with Arvind Kumar’s lack of response to requests for disclosure of the ORR tender’s base price and the traffic assessment reports. He suggests that the absence of transparency in the tendering process raises suspicions of irregularities.
Revanth argues that his actions as a public representative are driven by his responsibility to address these concerns. However, his attempt to obtain information through the Right to Information (RTI) Act was met with his arrest, without due consideration of his status as a public representative. In contrast, Arvind Kumar, without providing the requested information, has responded with a counterattack resembling that of a politician.
Revanth Reddy maintains that the allegations made against him in the legal notice are false and criticizes Arvind Kumar’s actions as an attempt to suppress questions regarding the ruling party’s irregularities. He asserts his determination to fight on behalf of the people, regardless of the legal notice.
