Amaravati, Oct 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Pawan Kalyan on Monday directed officials to initiate stringent legal action, including filing a non-bailable case, against a YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and others allegedly involved in damaging a newly constructed rural road in Tirupati district.
The road, connecting Ananthasamudram and Papakkagaripalle villages in Pullampeta mandal, was reportedly damaged barely a week after its construction under the state government's Palle Panduga 3.0 initiative. The project was undertaken at a cost of Rs 4.75 crore.
According to an official release, Pawan Kalyan reviewed the incident and the action taken so far with senior engineering officials from the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department.
Officials informed him that a first information report (FIR) had been registered based on complaints from villagers. The complaint alleged that Subba Reddy, a local YSRCP leader, and another individual, Venkatasubba Reddy, used a tractor to plough up approximately 100 metres of the newly constructed road.
Taking serious note of the alleged destruction of public infrastructure, the Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that the accused were dealt with under the relevant provisions of the law.
He also instructed the department to invoke the Revenue Recovery Act to recover the cost of repairing the damaged road from those found responsible.
Pawan Kalyan said the destruction of government assets created for public convenience could not be tolerated. He stressed that roads built using public funds were intended to improve connectivity and benefit rural communities, and damaging such infrastructure amounted to an offence against the public interest.
He further directed officials to ensure that not only those who allegedly carried out the damage but also others found to have supported or facilitated the act were brought to justice.
Officials Directed to Expedite Investigation
According to the officials' briefing, the accused were expected to be arrested and produced before a magistrate by Monday evening. The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the responsibility of those named in the complaint.
The Deputy Chief Minister also emphasised the need to make the identities of individuals found responsible for damaging government-funded infrastructure public, underlining the importance of accountability in the implementation of rural development projects.
The case has drawn attention to the protection of public assets created under state-funded development programmes. The government has directed the concerned engineering officials to pursue the matter and take the necessary legal steps.
Road Built Under Palle Panduga 3.0
The damaged stretch was constructed under Palle Panduga 3.0, the third edition of the Andhra Pradesh government's rural development programme. The initiative focuses on improving village infrastructure and providing facilities intended to benefit rural residents.
The alleged damage, reportedly involving a 100-metre stretch, has prompted the state government to order legal proceedings and recovery of the resulting costs.
Pawan Kalyan said public money spent on essential infrastructure must be protected and that those found responsible for damaging facilities intended for community use should face appropriate legal consequences.
The next steps will depend on the police investigation, the evidence collected and the findings of the judicial process.
