Two senior IAS officers in Andhra Pradesh are facing scrutiny for alleged misuse of luxury vehicles seized from red sanders smugglers during the YSR Congress Party’s tenure. The controversy erupted after it was revealed that these officials used the seized cars for personal purposes, betraying the trust placed in them to uphold the highest ethical standards.
One officer reportedly sent a seized BMW car to Hyderabad for his wife’s use, where she drove the vehicle extensively. Another luxury car was allegedly used by a senior forest department official. The issue came to light after the Telugu Desam Party-led government, which assumed power in June, brought the matter under review. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan ordered a report from the forest department, prompting media attention that eventually led the officers to return the vehicles to official custody.
Despite the public outcry, no disciplinary action has been taken against the officers involved. One of them, whose wife had used the BMW, now occupies a prominent administrative position, raising concerns about accountability and favoritism. Further allegations have surfaced against another officer, accusing them of employing domestic help from the forest department and having their salaries paid by the government.
With the seized cars returned and no further investigations initiated, the case appears to have been quietly shelved, leaving many questioning the government’s commitment to transparency and justice.
