Kothagudem: A phone call made by Kothagudem MLA Vanama Venkateswara Rao to the deputy range officer of Chathakonda Section, Kothagudem Range, M.R.P. Rao, is revealing in the light of the attacks on forest officials by miscreants two days ago.
In the telephone conversation, Mr Rao complains against forest department officials who are constructing a compound wall around a budget hotel being constructed to promote tourism in Paloncha.
However, the DRO had lodged a complaint against Mr Venkateswara Rao and his son Vanama Raghavender Rao, for threatening and obstructing the work of forest officers two days ago.
He said, “I explained the issue to Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and he will come to Kothagudem to settle the issue.”
Mr Venkateswara Rao later addressed the media in Kothagudem and explained that he was innocent of the attack on forest officials in Paloncha. “I did not obstruct the duties of forest staff on the day and never abused anybody,” he said.
He also said, “I explained the issue to Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and he will come to Kothagudem to settle the issue.
He said that Adivasis intercepted his car and he only explained about the plans of the forest staff against them. “When I reached the spot, there were no forest personnel there. My intention is not to do injustice to the Adivasis, and their livelihood should not be hit,” he said.
