Hyderabad: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials seized Rs 2.40 lakh in unaccounted cash from HMWSSB Joint Director A Srinivas on Raj Bhavan Road. The ACB City Range-II team intercepted his car around 7 pm on October 24. Srinivas is a Joint Director of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) at Khairatabad.
According to an ACB press note, the team acted on information received through an anonymous call. The caller said a higher official of the HMWSSB was carrying cash allegedly collected illegally from his office. The caller added that the official was heading towards his residence. Following this, the ACB team kept surveillance.
Officials then intercepted a Maruti Swift car bearing registration number TS08 GQ 3699. They stopped it opposite Metro Residency Apartments on Raj Bhavan Road. The ACB ascertained that the car belongs to Srinivas.
HMWSSB Joint Director fails to explain cash
During the surprise check, ACB officials found Rs 2,40,000 in unaccounted cash with the HMWSSB Joint Director in the car. They questioned him about the cash he was carrying while returning from office. However, he failed to give a satisfactory explanation and gave inconsistent versions, according to the press note.
As a result, ACB officials seized the cash under a panchanama. The press note said the seizure is for verification of the corruption angle and for further necessary action. The ACB will also inform the Income Tax Department.
Meanwhile, the ACB asked the public to call its toll-free number 1064 if any public servant demands a bribe. People can also reach ACB Telangana on WhatsApp at 9440446106, on Facebook at Telangana ACB and on X at @TelanganaACB. Besides, the ACB QR code is on display in all government offices and prominent public places. The ACB said it will keep the name and details of the victim or complainant secret.