The ACB court on Tuesday recorded the statement of senior IAS officer C.V.S.K. Sarma in connection with denotification of over nine acres of prime land at Ameerpet. Appearing before the special court for Anti-Corruption Bureau cases, the IAS officer identified the signature of former chief minister K. Rosaiah, and told court that a letter was addressed to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) in connection with denotification following a recommendation by Mr Rosaiah.

K. Narayana Reddy, the then land acquisition officer of HMDA, and Muthyam Reddy, forest range officer who is on deputation to HMDA also appeared before the court. Mr Narayana Reddy told the court that the land was acquired by the government and compensation had already been paid. Mr Muthyam Reddy informed the court that the land is currently under his control and a nursery is being run at the place. With this, the evidence on the part of complainant is completed and the case is adjourned to February 15 for arguments.

The court issued summons and recorded statements of the witnesses following a petition filed by complainant Mr Mohanlal. The judge, Mr Jayasurya observed that the court would seek services of a senior advocate to be appointed as amicus curiae. Mr Mohanlal will also challenge Mr Rosaiah’s appointment as Governor.

“ACB officials also recorded statements of witnesses in the case but they didn’t include them in their report deliberately to enable Mr Rosaiah’s appointment as Tamil Nadu Governor. There is evidence against Mr Rosaiah from statements of witnesses. We will obtain all the certified documents and challenge his appointment as Governor,’’ said Mr T. Sriranga Rao, counsel for the complainant. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had earlier quashed appointment of P.J. Thomas as Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) as a criminal case was pending against him.