TPN Correspondent | Bhimavaram
Known for its wealth, aqua business, and once even ambitious talk of building an airport — is now making headlines for a very different reason. Allegations are flying thick and fast that a widespread and highly profitable poker gambling network is being run under the control of a local MLA, with his son Prashanth at the helm.
While the MLA's camp is vehemently denying any involvement, the buzz on the ground refuses to die down. Locals claim that these camps — often referred to as “boards” — have mushroomed at an unprecedented rate since the MLA came to power, and the timing has only added fuel to the fire.
The gambling boards allegedly operate across Bhimavaram in lodges, open fields, and function halls, with some even claiming that two boards are being run from the Town Hall itself — under the MLA team’s direct control. Sources say each board handles a minimum of ₹10 lakh, with daily earnings running into crores. The financial backbone of the town — its aqua business — is reportedly enabling a strong money flow into this shadow network.
Who’s Behind the Operation?
Initially, the spotlight was on Prashanth, the MLA’s son, who was allegedly seen overseeing the camps. Later, as the scale expanded, Prashanth reportedly took a back seat at the ground level, directing operations through trusted aides. Bapiraju, a close associate, and Madhu, the MLA’s personal assistant, are now said to be running the show on his behalf.
Despite denials, there is mounting speculation that the entire setup is tightly linked to the MLA’s office, with some suggesting that people from TDP, Janasena, and even YSRCP have quietly aligned to keep the poker camps running — united not by ideology, but by profit.
Rising Corruption in Town Planning
In addition to the poker camps, allegations of widespread corruption in the municipal town planning office are surfacing. Sources claim that municipal staff themselves are commenting on the spike in bribe demands and irregularities, pointing fingers at the MLA’s growing influence in the administration.
The developments have especially shocked residents who once held former MLA Anjibabu in high regard. Many are now drawing unfavorable comparisons, saying that such gambling activity was never seen during his tenure. “It’s Prashanth who’s spoiling everything, and the MLA is allowing it to happen,” locals claim, disappointed at what they see as the rapid erosion of a once-respected leader’s image.
With Bhimavaram now under intense scrutiny, the big question remains: Will the state government or party leadership act on these allegations, or will the poker empire continue unchecked?
