VIJAYAWADA: VG Venkata Reddy, the former Director of Mines and Geology, has been suspended due to alleged irregularities in sand mining operations during his tenure. The State government has also mandated an inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) into these charges. Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad issued the suspension order on Thursday.
Reddy, who served as a senior civilian officer in the Indian Coast Guard, was on deputation to Andhra Pradesh during the YSRC administration. He was assigned to oversee the Department of Mines and Geology but now faces accusations of serious misconduct. An investigation was launched after the TDP-led NDA government took office.
The Industries and Commerce (Mines) Department's report indicates that Reddy engaged in numerous violations, including breaches of sand mining regulations, tender agreements, APMMC rules, and orders from the NGT and Supreme Court. These actions are said to have caused significant financial losses to the State and benefited private parties.
In response to these findings, the government has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Reddy under the Central Civil Services (CCA) rules of 1965 and has placed him on suspension. Additionally, the ACB Director General has been directed to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action.
Reddy has been instructed to remain at his Amaravati headquarters during the suspension period and must obtain prior permission from the competent authority before leaving. The government is also pursuing disciplinary measures against Reddy for violating agreement conditions related to Mines, Minerals, and Sand operations conducted by private agencies from May 2021 to June 2024.