Hyderabad: The ACB officials are investigating the ‘sheep distribution scam’ and have found misappropriation of about Rs 700 crore after making arrests on Monday.
Two important officials, former Animal Husbandry MD Ramchander Naik and OSD of former minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Kalyan, were arrested by ACB sleuths as part of the ongoing investigation. Both officials were sent to judicial remand for three days with court permission.
The ACB officials have identified several accused and arrested about 10 of them, while two others were spared from arrest due to a court order. Key evidence has also been obtained. The contractor involved in the scheme is still at large. The investigation is ongoing.
After Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy took charge, the ACB officials are also conducting operations in different departments. They have uncovered an alleged sheep distribution scam during the previous government’s rule. Multiple officials have been arrested for irregularities in the flagship sheep distribution scheme.
The ACB officials are revealing disturbing facts about the scheme, which was meant to benefit underprivileged sheep-rearing communities. The arrested officials bypassed instructions for procurement of sheep and involved private individuals or brokers in the process. They directed district joint directors/DVAHOs of the Animal Husbandry Department to help private individuals misappropriate government funds.
