TDP claims evidence to prove Minister's role in casino show

Visakhapatnam A day after their attempt to visit K. Convention at Gudivada in Krishna district as part of a fact-finding committee, TDP leaders on Saturday said they had 'solid evidence' to prove the involvement of Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Kodali Nani in organising casino and other gambling events by bringing foreign dancers at the convention hall owned by him during Sankranti festival. Crores of rupees changed hands at the three-day event.

After submitting a representation in the office of DIG of Police, Eluru Range, Bonda, Kollu Ravindra and other senior TDP leaders, part of the fact-finding committee, told the media that the firm, which hosted the casino and other gambling programmes at K. Convention had uploaded some video clippings in a social media platform. Uma, whose car was allegedly attacked by hooligans at Gudivada on Thursday after the TDP leaders were arrested by the police, said the location could be easily traced by visiting his Facebook page.

Uma said semi-nude dances, new to Andhra's culture, were brought to Gudivada due to the involvement of the Minister and wondered why he was not being sacked by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He also said an impartial probe was not possible into the incident as the government had ordered a probe by a DSP rank officer instead of instituting a judicial probe as sought by them.

Referring to Nani's refuttal of charges, Uma said he was ready to take the extreme step if the allegation levelled by him was proved wrong. He said he was ready to take part in debate over the incident at any time fixed by the Minister.

Tension gripped Gudivada, once represented by TDP founder and veteran actor NTR in Assembly, when the TDP leaders faced 'go back' slogans by YSRCP activists who gathered near the convention centre on hearing about the visit of the Opposition leaders. The TDP leaders were arrested by the police to prevent law and order problems, according to senior officials..