Arrest warrant against Srikakulam Collector for non-compliance

The office of the Andhra Pradesh Lok Ayukta today issued an arrest warrant against the Srikakulam District Collector for not complying with its directives concerning alleged "irregularities" in leasing out of shops in the district.

A complaint in this regard was filed by the Srikakulam District Panchayat Officer with the Lok Ayukta over allegations of irregularities in leasing out of shops in Narasannapet village, following which the District Collector Venkatram Reddy was asked to submit a report on the matter on June 6, though he failed to comply.

Following this, a direction was issued to Reddy to submit his report by October 27, but he again failed to oblige. A show cause notice seeking Reddy's explanation and directing him to submit his report by November 16 was then issued. However, the officer failed to submit the report today as well and also did not offer any explanation for the same, a release from the Andhra Pradesh Lok Ayukta said.

Finally, the "Up-Lok Ayukta" today issued arrest warrant against the district collector for not submitting his report and explanation, and posted the matter to December 28.