AP govt orders ACB probe Into 'Aadudaam Andhra' fund misuse

The Andhra Pradesh government has ordered an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) probe into the alleged Rs 119 crore financial scam in the 'Aadudaam Andhra' sports program organized by the previous YSRCP regime. The decision came after MLAs raised concerns in the Assembly, claiming that over Rs 400 crore of public funds were misused in just 45 days under the guise of sports events.

The Aadudaam Andhra program, launched just before elections, was aimed at engaging young voters through sports. However, MLAs alleged that funds meant for infrastructure and development were misused, with little accountability. During the Question Hour, Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy revealed that Rs 119 crore was spent within 45 days on the program.

However, MLAs Gauthu Sirisha and Bhuma Akhilapriya claimed that the actual misuse could exceed Rs 400 crore, alleging that fake bills, inflated invoices, and fabricated reports were used to siphon funds. The state government directed the ACB to verify financial records of the Rs 119 crore expenditure, investigate fund utilization at the district level, identify individuals responsible for fund misappropriation and cross-verify vendor bills and event costs.

The ACB has been asked to submit a report soon, after which strict action will be taken against those found guilty. While official expenditure shows Rs 119 crore, MLAs suspect Rs 400 crore might have been misused through fake documentation, inflated bills, and fund diversions. The TDP government has promised to recover public funds and take criminal action against the accused.