During the tenure of the YSR Congress Party, several IAS officers reportedly exercised unchecked authority, often engaging in misconduct without facing scrutiny. However, with the change in administration, instances of such behaviour are now coming under the spotlight.
A recent case involves two senior IAS officers accused of misusing luxury cars seized from red Sanders smugglers for personal purposes. One officer allegedly sent a seized BMW car to Hyderabad for his wife’s use, while another senior official in the forest department reportedly used a similar vehicle for personal convenience.
The issue gained attention after the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government, which assumed power in June, initiated a probe. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan ordered the forest department to submit a detailed report on the misuse of these seized vehicles.
Amid public and media pressure, the officers returned the seized cars to the forest department. However, the controversy persists, as no punitive action has been taken against the officials involved. One of the officers, whose wife had used a seized BMW, now occupies a top administrative position, raising concerns about accountability and favouritism.
Further allegations against one of the officers include employing domestic help from the forest department and having their salaries paid by the government. Despite these serious claims, the government appears reluctant to take action, possibly due to the high-ranking status of the individuals involved.
While the seized vehicles are now back in official custody, the lack of consequences for the implicated officers has left many questioning the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice.
