Telangana High Court Orders Removal of HYDRAA Chief over Land Dispute

The Telangana High Court on Monday directed the Chief Secretary to relieve IPS officer A.V. Ranganath from his post as Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and appoint a suitable replacement. The order, issued by Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti, came while hearing contempt cases related to allegations that HYDRAA officials violated court orders during an operation at a disputed land parcel in Lothkunta.

The controversy centres on a 40-acre property claimed by M/s Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited. The company alleged that on July 24, 2026, HYDRAA officials entered the land with nearly 50 vehicles and around 200 personnel, damaging containers, chairs, tables and other office infrastructure while demolishing tin sheet structures. The officials asserted the land belonged to the government.

The dispute has seen multiple judicial interventions over the past week. On July 23, the High Court ordered the deployment of armed forces to protect the property. However, the order was kept in abeyance until July 24 after Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy informed the court that the government would file an affidavit stating that HYDRAA officials had not entered private land. On July 24, the court directed Mr. Ranganath to submit an affidavit containing an apology and an explanation regarding his alleged interference. Although the affidavit was filed, the court proceeded to direct the Chief Secretary to relieve the officer.

For the state government, the challenge extends beyond appointing a new HYDRAA Commissioner. The episode underscores the need for greater institutional safeguards, transparency in enforcement actions, and strict adherence to judicial orders to prevent similar controversies in the future.