Konda Surekha's OSD Removed Amid Misconduct Allegations

Warangal: Minister for endowments and forests Konda Surekha suffered a setback after the state government terminated the services of her Officer on Special Duty (OSD), N. Sumanth, with immediate effect. The termination orders were issued on Tuesday night by Pollution Control Board (PCB) secretary Gugulothu Ravi.

The government cited administrative reasons for Sumanth’s removal, though it is understood that the decision followed multiple allegations of misconduct and corruption against him.

Sumanth reportedly faced serious accusations, including interference in official matters, exerting pressure on officers, and involvement in large-scale corruption. Reports suggest that transfers and postings within the endowments and forest departments, where he earlier served, were influenced by his instructions, with allegations of collecting large sums of money in the process.

Specific charges include collecting bribes from stone crusher operators for environmental clearances and mismanaging funds related to the Medaram Jatara festival. These complaints reportedly reached Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who directed the Chief Secretary and concerned officials to investigate and take action. Following an internal inquiry, Sumanth was dismissed from service.

Initially appointed as an OSD on a one-year contract with the Telangana PCB, Sumanth was later deputed to the minister’s peshi (personal office). His contract had recently been extended until December 2025.

Sources within the Congress said Minister Konda Surekha was informed of Sumanth’s removal only after the termination orders were issued. The move has triggered political controversy amid reported differences between Surekha and Warangal district in-charge minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, an issue said to have caused unease for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.