YSRCP demands CBI probe into stamp duty scam

Tadepalli, June 26: Former Anantapur MP Talari Rangaiah has called for an immediate CBI investigation into the stamp duty scam involving Kalyandurgam MLA A.Surendrababu, orchestrating a massive fraud to secure hundreds of crores in bank loans through forged documents. Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office, Rangaiah demanded that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu write to the central government to initiate a CBI probe, asserting that a state-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be inadequate given the involvement of a ruling party MLA. “The primary accused is the MLA himself, who used his associate, ‘Mee Seva’ Babu, as a front to deflect blame,” Rangaiah stated, alleging a conspiracy to shield Surendrababu while scapegoating others.
Rangaiah revealed that the scam centered around fraudulent e-stamp duty payments to facilitate bank loans for Surendrababu’s SR Constructions company. He questioned how a mere Mee Seva operator could execute such a high-stakes fraud without the MLA’s backing, pointing to their close association, including joint appearances at party events and social media evidence of their camaraderie. “If Surendrababu is truly innocent, he should resign as MLA and cooperate with the investigation,” Rangaiah challenged, emphasizing accountability. He further criticized the police for failing to produce four arrested individuals, including Mee Seva Babu, in court even five days after their detention, raising concerns about transparency. “Where are these individuals? The police must present them before a magistrate immediately, or I will file a habeas corpus petition in the High Court,” he warned.
Highlighting the scale of the scam, Rangaiah noted its parallels with a previous nationwide stamp paper fraud involving a TDP leader, underscoring a pattern of financial misconduct under the party’s regime. He dismissed claims by SR Constructions about their 27 years of experience, arguing that their failure to ensure stamp duty payments reached the state treasury exposed their negligence. “When you admit a scam occurred, why should we sling mud? The evidence speaks for itself,” he remarked. Rangaiah also questioned the MLA’s denial of ties with Mee Seva Babu, citing their public interactions, including attending each other’s family events and meeting TDP leader Nara Lokesh together.
The former MP stressed that only a CBI inquiry could ensure an impartial investigation, given the ruling party’s influence over state mechanisms. He urged the government to demonstrate its commitment to justice by facilitating a central probe. Additionally, Rangaiah raised alarms over unverified police claims of recovering 2 kg of gold and Rs. 2 crore in cash from Babu’s residence, demanding clarity on the detainees’ whereabouts. “The public deserves answers, and the government must act swiftly to restore trust,” he concluded.