Former Minister Vidudala Rajani is at the center of serious allegations involving illegal extortion during her time in office. After the formation of the coalition government, multiple complaints were lodged directly with the Home Minister, accusing Rajani of being involved in unlawful activities. Some of these complaints also suggest the involvement of police officers in these illicit actions. Following the complaints, the Vigilance Department launched an investigation and uncovered significant evidence against Rajani, leading to the submission of a detailed report to the government. This has generated widespread curiosity about the government’s next steps.
According to the Vigilance report, Rajani is accused of extorting ₹2 crore. The investigation further revealed that she allegedly worked with police and mining officials to intimidate local business owners. The report highlights that Rajani, while serving as the Minister for Medical and Health in Y.S. Jagan’s Cabinet in 2017, was involved in similar extortion activities.
The accusations focus on stone crusher owners in the Chilakaluripet area. When these business owners refused to pay bribes, Rajani, along with officials, is said to have imposed illegal mining charges, leading to a ₹50 crore fine. Eventually, the business owners agreed to settle, and the investigation claims that police officer Joshua further threatened them. A total of ₹2.2 crore was reportedly collected from the business owners, with ₹2 crore allegedly handed directly to Rajani.
The remaining funds were allegedly distributed, with ₹10 lakh going to Rajani’s personal assistant and another ₹10 lakh to police officer Joshua. This has now been put together in the Vigilance report, which the government will take before it. And this being under public scrutiny now, all eyes are now on the government to know how it will act further on the matter.
