Deputy Chief Minister and Forest & Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to immediately strengthen early-warning systems in all forest-adjacent villages after a tragic elephant attack claimed the life of a resident in Chittoor district.
The incident occurred in Venkateswarapuram village of Kuppam mandal, where Kitteiah, a local farmer, was fatally attacked by a wild elephant entering from the Tamil Nadu forest region. The case was brought to the direct attention of the Deputy CM, who held an urgent discussion with the PCCF and concerned forest officials.
₹10 Lakh Immediate Assistance to Victim's Family
Pawan Kalyan expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family and ordered officials to ensure a ₹10 lakh financial support package is delivered without delay. He emphasised that families living in forest-border areas must never feel abandoned by the administration.
Elephant Movement Alerts Must Be Expanded
Forest officials briefed that the elephant had already caused casualties in Tamil Nadu before moving into Andhra Pradesh. They added that villagers were informed once the animal crossed into AP territory.
Responding to this, Pawan Kalyan firmly instructed:
“Expand early-warning communication. Create village-wise WhatsApp and social media groups. Send text messages and voice alerts so people receive updates instantly.”
He noted that technology-enabled messaging can prevent avoidable tragedies and help farmers avoid dangerous zones during elephant movement.
Serious Concerns Over Former Minister Peddi Reddy’s Land Records
During the meeting, a separate issue was brought to Pawan Kalyan’s notice—allegations that former Minister Peddi Reddy Ramachandra Reddy and his son Mithun Reddy submitted incorrect information about forest-linked land holdings in their 2024 election affidavits.
Official land registration records reportedly indicate 45.80 acres under their control, while the Webland database shows an unexpected increase to 77.54 acres.
Questioning this discrepancy, Pawan Kalyan stated:
“How did the land suddenly increase this much? If it is ‘ancestral land’, how did private inheritance exist inside forest-classified terrain? Trace this land’s entire ownership history.”
Direction to Seek Legal Experts' Guidance
The Deputy CM ordered officials to proceed strictly based on law and seek expert legal opinions. He emphasised that discrepancies in affidavits and unexplained land expansions inside forest zones must be thoroughly documented and investigated.
Vigilance Committee Report Becomes Crucial
After media reports raised concerns about illegal occupation of Mangalampet forest land, the government responded quickly by appointing a vigilance inquiry committee. The report reportedly contains detailed insights into properties associated with Peddi Reddy and family.
Pawan Kalyan instructed departments to treat this report as a concrete starting point for further legal and administrative action.
“Forest Encroachment Will Not Be Tolerated” – Deputy CM
Sending a strong message, he declared:
“Anyone encroaching on forest lands or exploiting natural resources will face strict action. These are national assets—no one is above the law.”
He added that the government is committed to protecting natural resources and ensuring that individuals who misuse political influence to occupy public land will face consequences.
