High drama at Telangana minister's home as cops try to arrest graft-accused aide

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A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the residence of Telangana Women and Child Welfare Minister Konda Surekha late on Wednesday night after the police arrived to arrest her private Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Sumanth, who was removed from service by the state government over allegations of extortion at gunpoint.

According to sources, a Task Force team reached the minister’s residence following inputs that Sumanth, who is accused of threatening officials of a private company for money, was hiding there. The police reportedly attempted to enter the premises to arrest him.

However, a heated exchange ensued when the minister’s daughter, Konda Sushmitha, allegedly obstructed the police and questioned their presence at the minister’s home.

In a strong reaction, Sushmitha accused several senior Congress leaders, including Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Vem Narender Reddy, and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, of conspiring against their family.

"CM (Revanth Reddy), Vem Narender Reddy, and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy have conspired together against our family. Show me the complaint letter that Uttam Kumar Reddy supposedly gave, claiming that a gun was found with Sumanth. If Sumanth really had a gun, then a case should also be filed against Revanth Reddy’s close aide, Rohin Reddy," said the minister's daughter.

Further alleging a conspiracy, Sushmita urged authorities to obtain the call records of Revanth Reddy, Rohin Reddy, OSD Sumanth, and the Deccan Cements management, who had accused the officer of extortion, claiming that “everything will become clear.”

Sumanth is alleged to have threatened officials of Deccan Cements in Huzurnagar at gunpoint, demanding money, at the office of Rohin Reddy, a known associate of Revanth Reddy.

The arrest attempt came after the Congress government terminated the services of the official, following a series of serious allegations of misconduct and abuse of authority.

According to official sources, Sumanth allegedly wielded undue influence over transfers and deputations within the Forest Department, with several officials claiming that key administrative decisions were made at his behest. His interference reportedly extended even to senior IAS officers, fuelling widespread resentment within the department. The government is said to have acted after receiving multiple complaints about his “arbitrary conduct”.

The action against a top aide of Surekha, who is the Cabinet Minister for Forest, Environment, and Endowments in the Revanth Reddy government, is likely to trigger further political ripples within the Congress and the government in Telangana in the coming days.

- Ends

Published On:

Oct 16, 2025

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