Kaleshwaram project irregularities: KCR seeks in-camera hearing, becomes first ex-CM to appear before probe panel

Hyderabad: In a first for the state, former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was cross-examined by the Justice (retd) PC Ghose one-man commission in connection with the Kaleshwaram project, during an in camera proceeding held at BRKR Bhavan on Wednesday.

The hearing was conducted privately at KCR’s request, citing health concerns and his preference to avoid a public setting during the session.KCR arrived at the commission’s office around 11 am and formally sought permission for a closed-door hearing. Acting on his request, the commission cleared the courtroom of media personnel and several officials before commencing the proceedings.This marks the first time the Ghose commission—tasked with probing structural issues in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme—has held an in camera hearing since it began its inquiry.

The commission has so far examined over 100 individuals, including engineers, serving and former irrigation secretaries, ex-chief secretaries, and political leaders like former ministers T Harish Rao and Eatala Rajender.Senior officials said that KCR is the first former chief minister to appear before an inquiry commission both in the history of Telangana and in united Andhra Pradesh.Anticipating his appearance, thousands of BRS workers and leaders gathered outside the BRKR Bhavan, resulting in considerable commotion.

Police personnel had a tough time managing the crowd and ensuring security in and around the premises.KCR was accompanied by Harish Rao, former ministers Mohammed Mahmood Ali and Vemula Prashanth Reddy, MLAs like Bandari Laxma Reddy, MPs Joginapally Santosh Kumar and Vaddiraju Ravichandra, and party leader RS Praveen Kumar.Notably, BRS MLC K Kavitha reached KCR’s Erravelli farmhouse prior to his departure but did not proceed to the commission office, as entry was strictly restricted during the proceedings.