Why was a Telangana official booked for disproportionate assets?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Disproportionate assets case filed against a Telangana official.
- The ACB conducted searches revealing significant wealth.
- Initiatives to improve corruption reporting are underway.
- Legal actions are taken under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
- Anti-Corruption Week is being observed for awareness.
Hyderabad, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Anti-Corruption Bureau of Telangana has initiated a case against a government official for alleged possession of disproportionate assets that surpass his known income sources, acquired through corrupt activities.
The investigation targets Kotham Srinivasulu, who serves as the Assistant Director of Survey Settlement & Land Records in Ranga Reddy district. The ACB launched this probe following searches at his home in Raidurgam, Hyderabad, and six other sites associated with family, friends, and purported benamis.
During the operation, ACB operatives uncovered assets scattered across Telangana, as well as neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Officials reported the recovery of documents linked to a flat at My Home Bhooja, Raidurgam, a food processing unit/rice mill in Narayanpet district, 11 acres of farmland in Karnataka, 11 acres in Anantapur of Andhra Pradesh, four plots in Mahabubnagar district, and three in Narayanpet.
Additionally, they discovered Rs 5,00,000 in cash, gold weighing approximately 1.6 kg, silver items totaling 770 grams, a Kia Seltos Hycross, and an Innova. The estimated market value of these assets is likely significantly higher than what is recorded.
As per ACB, the official allegedly acquired these properties through corrupt practices during his tenure, with further investigations into additional assets ongoing.
The ACB has filed charges under sections 13 (1) (b) and 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
In a related development, ACB Director General Charu Sinha introduced a QR code complaint system aimed at making it easier for individuals in remote areas to report corruption.
This new digital initiative is designed to improve public access to the Bureau, promoting faster responses, enhanced service delivery, and greater transparency, as stated by the agency.
The ACB is currently observing Anti-Corruption Week from December 3 to December 9, culminating on International Anti-Corruption Day (December 9).