Assistant director, inspector arrested in ACB sting for ₹20,000 bribe

HYDERABAD:  Two Drugs Control officials, Assistant Director Maryala Srinivasulu and Drug Inspector Karthik Bharadwaj, along with a private individual, were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after being caught accepting a ₹20,000 bribe.

ACB traps officials during inspection at Vijetha Hospital

The ACB Karimnagar unit on October 7, 2025, caught Assistant Director Maryala Srinivasulu (AO-1) and Drug Inspector Karthik Bharadwaj (AO-2) of the Office of Drugs Control Administration, Karimnagar District, red-handed while accepting a ₹20,000 bribe through private intermediary Pulluri Ramu (A-3). Officials said the accused demanded the bribe from a pharmacist in exchange for official favour — the completion of the complainant’s annual pharmacy inspection. The trap was laid at Vijetha Hospital, Karimnagar, where A-3 received the money on behalf of the officials. The tainted amount was recovered from his possession.

According to ACB, the officers “performed their duties improperly and dishonestly to obtain undue advantage.” All three accused were arrested and produced before the Special Judge for SPE and ACB cases, Karimnagar. The identity of the complainant has been withheld for security reasons. The case is under investigation.

Public urged to report corruption

The ACB has appealed to citizens to report any demand for bribes by contacting its toll-free number 1064. Complaints can also be sent via WhatsApp (9440446106) or through ACB’s official social media handles on Facebook (Telangana ACB) and X (@TelanganaACB). Officials assured that the identity of complainants will remain confidential.