Andhra Pradesh's Endowments Assistant Commissioner Suspended Over Disproportionate Assets Allegations
Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Andhra Pradesh's Assistant Commissioner in the Endowments Department has been suspended after her arrest for disproportionate assets, revealing serious corruption issues in the government sector.
Key Takeaways
Assistant Commissioner suspended after arrest for disproportionate assets.
ACB conducted extensive raids, uncovering significant wealth.
Total assets found were worth Rs 1.37 crore .
The case highlights ongoing issues of corruption in government.
This is Shanti's second suspension within two years.
Vijayawada, April 12 (NationPress) In a significant development, the government of Andhra Pradesh has suspended an Assistant Commissioner from the Endowments Department after her arrest related to a disproportionate assets investigation. The suspension order for Kalingiri Shanti was issued by Commissioner K. Ramchandramohan, according to official sources on Sunday.
Shanti was taken into custody by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on April 7, following extensive raids at locations associated with her. Investigators discovered that she had accumulated assets totaling Rs 1.37 crore, which were found to be disproportionate to her declared sources of income.
On the same day of her arrest, a Vijayawada court placed her in judicial custody until April 21. Government regulations dictate that any employee held in custody for more than 48 hours on criminal charges is automatically considered suspended.
The ACB's investigation included 10 hours of searches across various locations, such as Tadepalli, Undavalli, and Visakhapatnam. They confiscated crucial documents and discovered several assets, including a residential flat in Visakhapatnam, a G+2 structure at Kunchanapalli, 776 grams of gold jewelry, nearly 3 kg of silver items, cash amounting to Rs 1.15 lakh, bank holdings close to Rs 3 lakh, a car, a motorcycle, and various electronic devices.
Following these operations, the ACB initiated a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case against Shanti under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This action was taken after receiving information that she had allegedly accumulated wealth beyond her official income.
This incident marks the second suspension for Shanti within a two-year span. She was appointed as Assistant Commissioner in the Endowments Department through the Andhra Pradesh State Public Service Commission (APPSC) in 2020, serving in both Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. After the TDP-led coalition government assumed power in 2024, she was previously suspended due to allegations of irregularities, remaining under suspension from July 2024 until March 2026.
The Endowments Department had begun a departmental inquiry concerning the allegations against Shanti, taking the accusations seriously, including those regarding her recruitment process. Shanti's suspension was lifted last month, and she was anticipating a new posting.
Point of View
This incident underscores the persistent challenges of corruption within governmental institutions. The swift action taken by the Anti-Corruption Bureau highlights the importance of accountability and transparency, pivotal for restoring public trust in governance.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the suspension of the Assistant Commissioner?
The suspension was due to her arrest in a case involving disproportionate assets, revealing her accumulation of wealth beyond known income sources.
What actions did the Anti-Corruption Bureau take?
The ACB conducted extensive raids, seized incriminating documents, and discovered various assets linked to the Assistant Commissioner.
How much wealth was the Assistant Commissioner found to have?
She was found to possess assets amounting to Rs 1.37 crore, which were disproportionate to her declared income.
What is the significance of the government's action?
This action reflects a commitment to combat corruption and ensure accountability within government agencies.
Has this Assistant Commissioner faced suspension before?
Yes, this is the second time she has been suspended in two years due to allegations of irregularities.
