PNS|Hyderabad
The Telangana Government has extended the term of the Inquiry Commission headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose investigating the alleged irregularities in the construction of the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla Barrages of the Kaleshwaram Project.
As per GO MS. No. 18 issued by the Irrigation and CAD (Projects-IV) Department on May 19, the commission’s term has been extended by two more months, from June 1 to July 31, 2025.
The Commission has almost finalised its report and was going to submit it last week. The Commission is now considering summoning former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and former Health Minister Harish Rao for questioning.
Observers said that any report submitted without examining these central figures would raise serious questions about procedural perfection. The commission is reportedly of the view that it should not violate the principles of natural justice and intends to provide all key people an opportunity to present their version.
Justice Ghose, a former Supreme Court judge, was originally appointed in March 2024 to probe the serious allegations concerning structural and financial lapses in the construction of the multi-crore irrigation project.
Initially tasked to submit the final report by June 30, 2024, the Commission’s term had already been extended many times, with the latest deadline being May 31, 2025.
This extension is meant to facilitate the final stages of the inquiry, including key witness depositions and examination of critical documents.
Calling KCR and Harish for deposition would mark a turning point in the inquiry, which has so far seen depositions from senior engineers, contractors and department officials.
The commission is likely to hold its remaining sittings in Hyderabad and has been asked to submit its final report to the TG government by July 31.
The move comes amid heightened political scrutiny over the Kaleshwaram Project.
