CBI raids Penna Cement unit

ANANTAPUR: A team of CBI officials from Hyderabad are conducting raids on the second plant of Penna Cements at Boyareddypalle village near Yadiki in the district. The CBI team raided the cement factory on Fridays afternoon and searches were on, when the reports last came in.According to sources, the raids were being conducted, following complaints from the farmers in Yadiki mandal, whose lands were acquired for allotting to Penna Cements during YSR regime. The CBI, which had enquired the farmers about their lands and compensation paid, was informed that the company had paid between Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 per acre and when the farmers asked for a better compensation, they were threatened.During Rajasekhara Reddy's regime, 1,200 acres in Chimvagupalle, Nitturu, Balareddypalle village of Yadaki mandal were acquired and given to Penna Cements. It is reported that of the total land, 230 acres were assigned lands.Sources said that CBI team inspected records in Yadiki tahsildar's office, before conducting the raids.