KTR Alleges ₹10,000-Crore Scam in Singareni, Demands CBI Probe
BRS leader KTR demands a CBI probe into alleged ₹10,000 crore irregularities in Singareni Collieries and warns of massive agitations.
In a massive political escalation, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao, popularly known as KTR, has accused the Congress-led government of massive corruption and financial mismanagement within the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). Speaking at the Singareni Karmika Garjana public meeting in Godavarikhani, KTR alleged that irregularities amounting to ₹10,000 crore have occurred in the public sector coal giant's tendering and financial transactions.
The BRS leader has formally demanded a comprehensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a sitting judge to uncover the truth behind these alleged discrepancies.
Allegations of Fund Diversion and Tender Irregularities
KTR provided specific figures to support his claims of financial mismanagement, alleging that substantial amounts of money have been diverted or improperly utilised over the last two fiscal years. According to the BRS leader:
- ₹2,283 crore was allegedly diverted or improperly used in the 2023-24 financial year.
- ₹4,034 crore was allegedly mishandled in the 2024-25 financial year.
- This totals a combined sum of ₹6,317 crore in questionable transactions.
The BRS leader specifically called for an investigation into the Naini coal block tenders, open-cast mining contracts, machinery procurement, and the issuance of site-visit certificates. He also challenged the state government's claims regarding the Naini tender, questioning why an independent probe had not been initiated if the cancellation of the tender had indeed saved the government ₹30,000 crore.
Declining Production and Financial Instability
Beyond the immediate allegations of theft, KTR raised alarms regarding the operational health of the company. He claimed that coal production has seen a significant slump, dropping from approximately 70 million tonnes to 58 million tonnes. He attributed this decline to administrative failures and delays in the tendering process under the current Congress administration.
Furthermore, KTR highlighted a massive liquidity crisis facing the company, alleging that approximately ₹60,000 crore in dues are currently pending to Singareni. He argued that these payment delays are crippling the company's ability to procure essential equipment and maintain stable mining operations.
Warning of Agitation and Opposition to Privatisation
The BRS leader did not stop at financial allegations; he also took aim at the government's treatment of the workforce. KTR accused the Revanth Reddy government of failing to honour commitments regarding profit-sharing and employee benefits, noting that profit shares were restricted to 16 per cent in the first year and 12 per cent in the second.
"The BRS will oppose any attempt to privatise Singareni," KTR declared, accusing both the state Congress government and the BJP-led Centre of pursuing policies that threaten public sector institutions. He warned that if the workers' legitimate dues, bonuses, and benefits are not released immediately, the BRS will intensify its protests, including laying siege to the residences of Congress ministers and MLAs.
KTR concluded his address by urging Singareni employees to unite to protect their rights and the future of the public sector enterprise against what he described as systematic attempts to weaken the company.