Hyderabad: Anti-Corruption Bureau officials caught a Forest Beat Officer while he accepted a Rs 10,000 bribe in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Thursday.
Banoth Naresh worked as Forest Beat Officer at Nadimigudem. He also held charge of Sayanapalli in Gundala Forest Range. ACB teams trapped him at his Gundala office during the bribe transaction.
Officials said he demanded the Forest Beat Officer bribe to avoid interfering in cultivation. The land measured five acres of patta podu land. The government had assigned it to the complainant’s father. It lies in Venkatapuram revenue village.
Forest Beat Officer bribe tied to land cultivation
ACB officials recovered Rs 10,000 from the accused during the operation. They seized the amount at his instance immediately after the trap.
Investigators said the officer abused his position for personal gain. He sought undue advantage through the Forest Beat Officer bribe. Therefore, the ACB initiated legal proceedings.
Authorities arrested him and produced him before the Special Court for SPE and ACB cases-cum-III Additional District and Sessions Judge in Warangal. The investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, ACB urged citizens to report any bribery demands by public servants. It asked them to call the toll-free number 1064. People can also report through WhatsApp and official social media platforms.
Officials assured that they would keep the complainant’s identity confidential.