Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department Official Detained Over Asset Misconduct
Synopsis
An Assistant Commissioner from the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department has been taken into judicial custody on allegations of disproportionate assets. The ACB's extensive investigation revealed significant wealth discrepancies linked to her income sources, prompting serious legal actions.
Key Takeaways
Kalingiri Shanti has been arrested by the ACB.
She faces allegations of accumulating wealth beyond her legal income.
The ACB conducted extensive searches leading to significant asset seizures.
A Disproportionate Assets case has been registered against her.
Shanti was previously suspended over irregularities.
Vijayawada, April 8 (NationPress) — An official from the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department has been placed in judicial custody following a case involving disproportionate assets. On Wednesday, Kalingiri Shanti, who serves as the Assistant Commissioner within the department, was presented before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) court, which ordered her detention until April 21. She has since been relocated to the Vijayawada district jail.
The ACB apprehended Shanti after conducting simultaneous raids at multiple locations linked to her on Tuesday.
This operation was initiated based on evidence suggesting that she had accumulated wealth exceeding her legitimate income sources.
ACB officials executed searches over a span of 10 hours at various locations, including Tadepalli, Undavalli, and Visakhapatnam. The operation involved searches at four sites in Tadepalli, which encompassed her home, a clothing store owned by her mother, and her sister's residence.
During these searches, they uncovered incriminating documents and identified assets such as a residential flat in Visakhapatnam, a G+2 building in Kunchanapalli, 776 grams of gold jewelry, nearly 3 kg of silver items, cash amounting to Rs 1.15 lakh, bank deposits of approximately Rs 3 lakh, a Volkswagen Polo car, a motorcycle, and various electronic devices.
As a result of these findings, the ACB initiated a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case against the Assistant Commissioner under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Furthermore, it was discovered that Shanti possessed a bank locker in Vijayawada. Additional searches and assessments of her assets are currently underway.
Shanti was appointed as Assistant Commissioner in the Endowments Department through the Andhra Pradesh State Public Service Commission (APPSC) in 2020 and has served in both Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.
Following the TDP-led coalition government's assumption of power in 2024, she faced suspension due to allegations of misconduct.
Her suspension lasted from July 2024 until March 2026.
The Endowments Department has initiated a departmental inquiry regarding the accusations against Shanti, reflecting the government's serious stance on these allegations, which also extend to her recruitment process.
Her suspension was lifted last month, and she is currently awaiting a new posting.
Point of View
The arrest of Kalingiri Shanti underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government sectors. The actions taken by the ACB reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability, pivotal for restoring public faith in administrative integrity.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kalingiri Shanti?
Kalingiri Shanti is an Assistant Commissioner in the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Department, appointed in 2020.
What led to Shanti's arrest?
She was arrested following a lengthy investigation by the ACB that revealed discrepancies between her known income sources and her amassed wealth.
What assets were seized during the investigation?
The ACB seized several assets, including a residential flat, gold and silver items, cash, and vehicles.
What is a Disproportionate Assets case?
A Disproportionate Assets case pertains to allegations that a public official has accumulated wealth exceeding their legitimate income, often implying corruption.
What is the current status of Kalingiri Shanti?
As of now, she remains in judicial custody, with the court having ordered her detention until April 21.
