Hyderabad: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) caught two revenue officials while accepting a ₹20 lakh bribe in the Abdullapurmet bribery case on 12.10.2024. The officials allegedly demanded the money to conduct a survey and issue a joint inspection report for a layout.
The accused were Batuka Srinivasulu, a Mandal Surveyor, and B. Sudershan Reddy, the Tahsildar of Abdullapurmet Mandal in Ranga Reddy district. According to the ACB, the officials initially demanded ₹30 lakh from the complainant before reducing the amount to ₹20 lakh.
The ACB’s City Investigation Unit (CIU) caught Srinivasulu near Abdullapurmet village and mandal while he accepted the money. Meanwhile, the agency recovered the bribe from his possession at his instance.
Both officials underwent chemical tests, which returned positive results on their fingers. The ACB stated that the results supported its allegation that the officials had handled the bribe money.
The case concerned an official favour involving a layout survey and a joint inspection report under HMDA guidelines. The ACB alleged that the two officials had failed to perform their public duties honestly.
Abdullapurmet bribery case: Officials face legal proceedings
Following their arrest, the ACB planned to produce both accused before the Principal Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases in Nampally, Hyderabad. The agency stated that the investigation remained underway.
However, the ACB withheld the complainant’s details for security reasons. The press note identified the accused as Batuka Srinivasulu, Mandal Surveyor, and B. Sudershan Reddy, Tahsildar, of Abdullapurmet Mandal.
The agency also urged the public to report bribe demands by government employees. People can contact the ACB through its toll-free number, 1064, for action under the law.
In addition, the public can reach Telangana ACB through WhatsApp at 9440446106, Facebook under Telangana ACB, and X, formerly Twitter, at @TelanganaACB. The agency said QR codes displayed at government offices and prominent public places also provide a way to contact it.
The ACB assured the public that it would keep victims’ and complainants’ names and details confidential.