Telangana govt forms SIT to probe TRS MLAs' poaching case

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Government on Wednesday formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case registered over the recent sensational TRS MLAs' poaching scandal. The seven-member SIT will be led by Hyderabad City Police Commissioner CV Anand. A Government Order (GO MS No.63) was issued to this effect, based on a formal written request made by Telangana Director General of Police (DGP).

Other police officials appointed to the SIT are Rema Rajeswari (SP, Nalgonda), Kamleshwar Shingenawar (Cyberabad DCP Crimes), R Jagadishwar Reddy(Shamashabad DCP), N Venkateshwarlu (SP Narayanpet), B Gangadhar (Cyberabad ACP) and Laxmi Reddy (Moinabad SHO).

According to the GO, DGP Mahender Reddy stated in his letter that officers with experience and necessary skill sets were required to conduct the investigation since the case was sensitive, high profile and sensational in nature and thus warranted investigation in multiple dimensions. It requires thorough scientific and evidence-based investigation in an elaborate manner.

Hence, the seven-member SIT has been constituted after due consideration, the GO said. The SIT has been instructed to seek the assistance of other officers if required and conduct the probe swiftly.

The case was registered based on a complaint from Tandur MLA Pilot Rohit Reddy, who was one of the four ruling party legislators that a gang of deal brokers allegedly tried to poach. Huge enticements in cash and kind were allegedly offered to them in exchange for shifting their loyalties to the BJP and help in toppling the TRS government. The audio and video clips of infamous 'farmhouse poachgate' have gone viral in the last few weeks.