Hyderabad: Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau officials uncovered alleged irregularities and suspected corrupt practices during a surprise inspection at the Shamshabad Tahsildar office.
The ACB inspection irregularities came to light during checks conducted from May 8 at the office of the Tahsildar and Executive Magistrate and Joint Sub-Registrar in Shamshabad Mandal.
According to the ACB, officials seized Rs.2.60 lakh in unaccounted cash from the dashboard of a vehicle belonging to Tahsildar K. Ravinder Dutt.
Officials also recovered another Rs.2.29 lakh in unaccounted cash from Revenue Inspector G. Krishna. The ACB alleged that he attempted to dispose of the money and conceal a file on the roof of a toilet.
In addition, officials seized Rs.10,000 in unaccounted cash from licensed surveyor S. Prudhviraj.
ACB inspection irregularities reveal pending applications
The ACB found that officials were not maintaining a personal cash register in the office. Moreover, 68 Mee Seva applications remained pending beyond the stipulated processing period.
During preliminary verification, the bureau observed that Tahsildar K. Ravinder Dutt had allegedly issued certain certificates and proceedings beyond his jurisdiction without informing higher authorities.
Officials stated that in some land-related matters, he allegedly assumed the powers of the Land Reforms Tribunal while issuing proceedings.
ACB inspection irregularities linked to land matters
The bureau noted that some orders and letters connected to survey numbers in Shamshabad, Tondupally and Sathamrai villages appeared to favour private parties.
According to the ACB, the alleged actions caused damage to government property and harmed the reputation of the administration.
The bureau concluded that the Tahsildar had performed his duties in an improper and irregular manner. It also alleged that he acted beyond his jurisdiction in several cases.