High Court Orders Removal of HYDRAA Commissioner Over Alleged Contempt and Land Overreach
Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti directed the Telangana Chief Secretary to replace IPS officer A.V. Ranganath following allegations of illegal demolition activities. The ruling stems from a property dispute involving Shanta Sriram Constructions and reported violations of judicial orders.
Judicial Intervention Triggers Leadership Change at HYDRAA
In a major setback for the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), the Telangana High Court directed the Chief Secretary on July 27, 2026, to relieve IPS officer A.V. Ranganath of his duties as Commissioner. Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti issued the order during the hearing of several contempt petitions, mandating the state to find a suitable successor for the post immediately. This ruling follows accusations that agency officials disregarded specific court directives during an enforcement action at a site in Lothkunta.
The Lothkunta Land Conflict and Enforcement Allegations
The controversy involves a 40-acre property claimed by M/s Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited. The petitioner alleged that HYDRAA personnel conducted a massive operation in July, deploying approximately 200 staff members and 50 vehicles to the disputed site. According to the company, the agency damaged office infrastructure including containers, tables, and chairs while demolishing tin structures under the claim that the territory belonged to the government.
Legal proceedings regarding this incident have escalated rapidly throughout the week:
- July 23: The High Court initially ordered armed forces to protect the 40-acre site.
- July 24: Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy requested the court to hold that order in abeyance, promising a government affidavit asserting that officials never entered the private land.
- July 24 (Later): The court demanded a formal apology and an explanatory affidavit from Mr. Ranganath regarding his role in the dispute.
Accountability in State Agencies
Despite Mr. Ranganath filing the requested affidavit, the court determined that a change in leadership was necessary. While the government attempted to defend the agency's actions by stating no private land had been encroached upon, the court's decision to remove the Commissioner highlights significant friction between administrative enforcement and judicial oversight. The state must now navigate the appointment of new leadership while addressing the broader lack of institutional transparency exposed by the Lothkunta operation.
Source: The Hindu — Cities
