Political row erupts in Telangana after police attempt to arrest Minister Konda Surekha’s ex-OSD
Hyderabad: The arrest attempt on N. Sumanth, former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Minister Konda Surekha, triggered high drama and political tension in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills on Wednesday night.
Late-night operation fuels political row
Police teams reached Minister Surekha’s residence after receiving information that Sumanth was inside. The situation quickly escalated when the Minister’s daughter, Konda Sushmita, stopped the police and confronted them. She later told reporters that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, and Chief Minister’s Advisor Vem Narender Reddy had orchestrated the move against Sumanth.
Corruption complaints led to Sumanth’s dismissal
The controversy began a day earlier when the State government ended Sumanth’s services following corruption complaints. The Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) had appointed him on a one-year contract before deputing him to the Endowments Department. His contract had been extended until December 2025.
Officials accused Sumanth of pressuring field officers, interfering in official work, and taking bribes from stone crusher operators for environmental clearances. They also alleged that he misused funds meant for the Medaram Jatara festival.
Earlier, Minister Surekha had accused Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy of meddling in Medaram contract works. Soon after her remarks, the government issued Sumanth’s termination orders. Reports also said that Sumanth collected large sums of money during his postings in the Endowments and Forest departments.
Inquiry and political accusations intensify
Sources confirmed that complaints against Sumanth reached the Chief Minister, who directed the Chief Secretary to conduct an internal inquiry. The investigation found irregularities, and officials dismissed Sumanth from service.
On Wednesday night, Task Force personnel arrived at Surekha’s residence to detain him. Sushmita accused the government of using the police for political vendetta. She said the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) was aware of the entire operation.
Sushmita further claimed the case was connected to a supposed extortion complaint by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, which he denied. “When I called him, he said he had not filed any complaint,” she said. She warned that any harm to her parents or Sumanth would cause “serious repercussions” for the government.