PRLI farmers duped of Rs 250 Cr

metro india news  I hyderabad

A massive financial fraud allegedly involving nearly Rs 250 crore has triggered tense situations in Kushaiguda, as farmers affected by the Palamuru–Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Project staged a large protest. The farmers, who had lost their lands for the project in Nagarkurnool district, claimed that their compensation money was cheated away through a private finance scheme.

The protest intensified on Tuesday when hundreds of farmers gathered at Subhashnagar under Kapra Circle limits and staged a sit-in in front of the residence of the main accused, Dhanunjay Gupta. The demonstration continued for several hours, leading to a tense atmosphere in the area. Police were deployed in large numbers to prevent any escalation and to maintain law and order.

According to the victims, a finance company operating under the name “Om Sri Sairam Finance” carried out the fraud in a calculated manner. The accused allegedly attracted farmers by promising low-cost land deals and high monthly returns on investments. Initially, small interest payments were given to build trust, after which larger sums were collected and the operators reportedly disappeared.

Farmers from around 25 villages said that nearly 2,500 to 3,000 people were affected by the scam. The total loss is estimated to be more than Rs 250 crore. Many of them said they invested not only their government compensation money but also personal savings and borrowed funds, hoping for financial security.

With the money gone, several families are now facing severe financial distress. Farmers expressed that they are unable to manage daily expenses, repay loans, or continue their children’s education. Local residents also claimed that a few victims even attempted suicide due to extreme financial pressure.

Several individuals have been named by the victims as key players in the alleged scam, including Itiyala Saibaba, Dhanunjay Gupta, Baliswar, Tukaram, Nagam Karunakar Reddy, Bucchireddy, Janakiram Reddy, and Srinivas. The victims allege that they collectively operated the fraudulent network and misled investors on a large scale.

Farmers have already approached the court, and reports suggest that the High Court has ordered a temporary attachment of the accused’s properties. However, the protesters expressed anger that despite these legal actions, the main accused have not yet been arrested.

Women farmers participated in large numbers during the protest and were seen breaking down emotionally, saying they have lost both their land and money. They added that their family lives have been badly affected, with rising disputes and halted education for their children.

Farmer leader Pasham Yadagiri criticized the government, saying that proper rehabilitation and guidance were not provided to land-losing farmers, which pushed them into the hands of private financial operators. He demanded immediate arrest of all accused and urged authorities to auction their properties to compensate the victims.

Police officials later intervened and held discussions with the protesting farmers, assuring them that the matter would be escalated to higher authorities. Following this, a section of the protesters dispersed, while others warned that their agitation would continue until justice is delivered and the money is recovered.