BRS Demands Judicial Probe Into SLBC Tunnel Collapse

BRS working president K T Rama Rao today called for the immediate establishment of a judicial commission, led by a sitting High Court judge, to investigate the recent collapse of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel.

KTR accused the Congress-led Telangana government of "criminal negligence", and held Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accountable for "prioritizing election campaigns over rescue operations".

"The Chief Minister should take full responsibility for the accident at the SLBC tunnel," he said.

He criticized the government's decision to proceed with the tunnel construction "without proper technical studies and without obtaining necessary approvals from the Geological Survey of India (GSI)", and called it a shocking display of incompetence and inexperience.

Recalling previous incidents including the washout of the Peddavagu project in Khammam and the collapse of the Sunkishala project's retaining wall, which resulted in significant financial losses, he said that the latest incident was one in a pattern of mishaps under the current administration.

Expressing concern over the slow pace of rescue operations at the SLBC tunnel, KTR also questioned the Chief Minister's absence from relief efforts when eight workers were still trapped in the tunnel.

He also criticized ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy for their "inadequate response" to the crisis, and urged the government to involve Central agencies and the Army to expedite rescue efforts.

"The lives lost and families affected deserve truth and accountability. The Congress government must ensure transparency and justice, which is grossly missing so far," KTR said.