Police in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district have apprehended a member of an interstate gang involved in the distribution of counterfeit cotton seeds. The operation, conducted jointly by law enforcement and agricultural officials, led to the seizure of unauthorized seeds valued at ₹10 lakh.
Providing details of the arrest during a press conference at the Turkapally police station, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Srinivas Naidu confirmed that the network spanned across neighbouring states. The illegal enterprise was being run by two key operatives: Dondapati Mallikarjuna Rao, a resident of Kesanapalli village in the Dachepalli mandal of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, and Shankar, who hails from the B. Kothakota mandal headquarters in Chittoor district.
According to the police, Mallikarjuna Rao was actively transporting the banned BG-2 (Bollgard II) cotton seeds from Guntur toward Siddipet district for illicit sale, utilizing logistical assistance from his associate, Shankar.
Acting on credible intelligence, a police team coordinated with local agricultural department officials to set up a checkpoint at the Turkapally bus stand. Mallikarjuna Rao was intercepted and taken into custody at the location. During the search, authorities recovered the banned cotton seeds estimated to be worth ₹10 lakh.
The DSP stated that a formal case has been registered against Mallikarjuna Rao. A manhunt has been launched to locate and arrest the second accused, Shankar, who remains at large.
The joint enforcement operation and subsequent briefing included Yadagirigutta Rural Circle Inspector (CI) Shankar Goud, Sub-Inspector (SI) Taqiyuddin, Mandal Agricultural Officer Uma, and other police personnel.