Tirupati:Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has ramped up its probe into the fire incident at the Madanapalle sub-collector office in Annamayya district. The blaze, which occurred on July 21, 2024, resulted in severe damage to crucial files related to 22A lands and other subjects.
Initially, it has been thought that the fire accident had been due to an electrical fault. Following a spot inspection by DGP Dwarka Tirumala Rao and CID chief Ravi Shankar Ayyannar, as directed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, it has been determined that the fire had been a deliberate act.
On Monday night, CID officials conducted an extensive inspection of the office from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tuesday. Investigation team led by CID chief Ravishankar Ayyannar and including Annamayya district SP Vidyasagar Naidu, additional SP Rajkamal and DSP Venu Gopal, reconstructed the documents-burning incident.
Investigators interrogated senior assistant at the sub-collector’s office Gautam Teja, who is in police custody, about the oil cans found in cupboards at the time of the incident. They also questioned Nimmannapalle village revenue assistant (VRA) Ramanayya, an eyewitness, and RDO Hari Prasad, who had been present at the office earlier.
The RDO's failure to promptly notify the collector about the fire at his office premises has raised concerns. The collector learnt about the fire from the district fire officer.
“Our investigation is underway. The conduct of the RDO and the circle inspector present at the scene is under scrutiny. CID aims to uncover the full scope and implications of this deliberate act of arson,” an official close to the investigation said.
It may be recalled that special chief secretary (Revenue) R.P. Sisodia, after a three-day investigation, confirmed that the fire had been deliberate to destroy crucial land-related files. Sisodia's report led to suspensions of officials and disclosure that the fire had been started to burn files related to 22A and assigned lands.
Approximately, 2,440 documents got burnt. 700 of them had been salvaged.
