Bhakarapeta forest range officer N Venkataramana has been suspended over allegations of diverting and selling cigarettes worth about ₹50 lakh that were seized while being transported illegally last year.

According to forest department officials, the large consignment of cigarettes was being illegitimately transported from Chennai to Rayachoti in Annamayya district through Tirupati, Bhakarapeta, Yerravaripalem, Ustikayalapenta and Pincha before being seized by the forest department. Venkataramana had supervised the seizure. However, allegations later surfaced that the seized stock was not kept in official custody or properly accounted for in department records and was instead sold to private persons.

G Muni Gopal, a resident of Jeevakona in Tirupati, lodged a complaint with deputy chief minister K Pawan Kalyan over the alleged irregularities. Following intervention from the deputy CM’s office, senior forest department officials ordered a detailed inquiry. The inquiry reportedly found that Venkataramana had sold the seized cigarettes to others. Based on the findings, principal chief conservator of forests PV Chalapathy Rao issued orders suspending him.