Hyderabad: A Panchayat secretary bribe trap was conducted by Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau officials in Jogulamba Gadwal district on Friday after an official was caught allegedly accepting illegal gratification.
The accused, Boya Ranganna, works as the Panchayat Secretary of Eklaspur village in Leeja mandal. ACB officials caught him red-handed while accepting ₹15,000 from a complainant.
According to investigators, the Panchayat secretary bribe trap took place at the Mandal Parishad Development Officer office in Leeja mandal. The official allegedly demanded money to process housing scheme payments.
ACB authorities stated that Ranganna initially demanded ₹20,000 from the complainant. The demand reportedly included ₹5,000 for each of the four instalments of financial assistance under the Indiramma Housing Scheme.
However, after the complainant requested a reduction, the accused reportedly agreed to accept ₹15,000. Following the complaint, ACB officials organised a trap to verify the allegation.
During the operation, the Panchayat secretary bribe trap succeeded when the official accepted the bribe at the MPDO office premises. Officials recovered the tainted amount from his possession.
Investigators said the accused allegedly misused his official position and acted dishonestly to obtain an undue advantage. In return, he promised to release the first instalment of the housing construction bill in the name of the complainant’s wife.
Officials also stated that the accused assured the complainant that he would facilitate the release of the remaining instalments without any interruption.
Panchayat secretary bribe trap leads to arrest
After the successful Panchayat secretary bribe trap operation, ACB officials immediately arrested the accused. Authorities confirmed that the officer would be produced before the Special Court for SPE and ACB Cases in Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, officials began further investigation to examine additional aspects related to the case.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau also appealed to citizens to report any demand for bribes by public servants. People can file complaints through the ACB toll-free helpline number 1064.
Officials said public cooperation remains essential in preventing corruption and ensuring accountability in government services.