Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy’s Family Named in Illegal Land Grab Report
A government-appointed inquiry committee has confirmed that the family members of Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy—who held a key position during the YSR Congress Party administration—have illegally occupied large tracts of government and forest land. According to the committee’s findings, the family encroached upon a total of 63.72 acres within the jurisdiction of CK Dinne village in YSR District. The committee submitted its detailed report to the state government.
The report highlights that the majority of the encroached land belongs to the Forest Department. Specifically, the family occupied 52.40 acres of forest land spread across eight different locations within survey number 1629 of CK Dinne village. Additionally, 8.05 acres previously acquired by the government for the construction of the Payavanka Reservoir and other assigned lands were also found to be under illegal occupation. The committee noted that fencing had been erected around these lands and unauthorized construction, including a guesthouse and four rooms, had been carried out without necessary approvals.
The committee reported that the family was cultivating fruit orchards on the encroached forest land, destroying forest cover and causing significant environmental harm. Beyond illegal cultivation, they allegedly benefited from government schemes by receiving subsidies for setting up drip irrigation systems and constructing a “harvesting room” for mango storage. The encroachers were identified as Sajjala Sandeep Reddy—son of Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy—and six other family members.
Local resident Raja Naik had lodged multiple complaints regarding the land grab since 2022, but officials reportedly ignored them during the tenure of the previous government. The inquiry was initiated only after the new government took office. In response, Sajjala Sandeep Reddy and others approached the High Court, asserting ownership of 184.32 acres of land in the CK Dinne area, which they claimed was used for cultivating fruit orchards. They requested the court to prevent government interference. The High Court ordered maintenance of the status quo but allowed the inquiry to proceed.
Following the High Court's directive, a three-member committee comprising the YSR District Collector, the Kadapa RDO, the Assistant Director of Survey and Land Records, and the Badvel Sub-Divisional Forest Officer was formed. The committee conducted a field survey during February and March in the presence of the family’s representatives. The survey revealed that the family controls a total of 201.17 acres, but holds legal title (patta) for only 137.45 acres. The remaining 63.72 acres were confirmed to be encroached land. The report also disclosed that the family had been issued notices as far back as 2014 by the concerned Forest Range Officer for encroachment of forest land.
The committee concluded that the Sajjala family deliberately encroached on forest lands, causing extensive damage to biodiversity and wildlife habitats. It recommended that the Forest Department immediately reclaim the 52.40 acres of forest land and implement robust protective measures. It also advised the government to initiate strict legal action against the family for violations of forest and environmental laws. Based on this report, further government action is expected.