Telangana ACB catches engineer in chief of Panchayat Raj Dept taking Rs 50,000 bribe
Hyderabad: On July 16, 2025, Veeravalli Kanakaratnam, Engineer in Chief of the Panchayat Raj Engineering Department, was caught by the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), City Range 2 Unit, while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000. The bribe was taken from a complainant in exchange for official favor related to the complainant’s transfer and posting.
The accused officer was found to have acted dishonestly and improperly in his official duties. The bribe amount was recovered from him at the time of the arrest. A chemical test conducted on his left hand fingers tested positive. Veeravalli Kanakaratnam has been arrested and sent to judicial remand. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
ACB Conducts Surprise Raid at RTA Checkpoint in Pondurthi, Kamareddy District
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) carried out a surprise inspection at the RTA checkpoint in Pondurthi, Bhiknoor Mandal, Kamareddy District, at around 9 a.m. today, July 16, 2025.
During the operation, officials recovered an unaccounted sum of ₹16,000 from AMVI Sri Sam Richardson and ₹9,000 from a private agent, G. Shiva Kumar. An additional ₹4,000 was found concealed inside an office file folder at the checkpoint.
The raid revealed that several drivers passing through the checkpoint were routinely making cash payments to secure passage, indicating an organized system of extortion. At the time of the inspection, ₹23,000 was seized from the checkpoint, bringing the total unaccounted amount to ₹52,000.
Investigators also found that RTA officials had engaged five unauthorized private individuals to assist with checkpoint duties, four of whom were present during the raid. Officials were reportedly neglecting their responsibilities, allowing agents to stop vehicles and collect illegal payments from drivers and vehicle owners. A detailed report on the findings will be submitted to the government, recommending appropriate action against those involved.
The ACB urges the public to report any instances of bribery by public servants by calling the toll-free number 1064. Complaints can also be made via WhatsApp at 9440446106, Facebook (Telangana ACB), or X (formerly Twitter) at @TelanganaACB. The identity of complainants will be kept confidential.
