Hyderabad, July 27: In a significant order, the Telangana High Court on Monday directed the Chief Secretary to relieve IPS officer A.V. Ranganath from his position as Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and appoint a suitable replacement.

Justice Anil Kumar Jukanti issued the direction while hearing a batch of contempt petitions alleging that HYDRAA officials violated court orders during actions related to a disputed land parcel.

The case centres on a 40-acre property claimed by M/s Shanta Sriram Constructions Private Limited. The company alleged that HYDRAA officials entered the site earlier this month with nearly 50 vehicles and around 200 personnel, damaging office infrastructure, including containers, chairs and tables, while demolishing tin-sheet structures. Officials reportedly maintained that the land belonged to the government.

The dispute has seen several judicial interventions over the past week. On July 23, the High Court ordered armed protection for the property. However, the order was later kept in abeyance until July 24 after Advocate General A. Sudarshan Reddy informed the court that the State government would file an affidavit stating that HYDRAA officials had not entered the privately owned land.

On July 24, the court directed Ranganath to submit an affidavit offering an apology and explaining his alleged role in the matter. Although the affidavit was subsequently filed, Justice Jukanti ordered the Chief Secretary to remove him from the post of HYDRAA Commissioner.

The development places the State government under pressure not only to appoint a new HYDRAA chief but also to strengthen institutional safeguards, ensure greater transparency in enforcement actions and strictly comply with judicial directions to avoid similar disputes in the future.