20 irrigation officials face ACB scrutiny over Thailand trip

HYDERABAD: New details are emerging in the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) probe into engineers booked in disproportionate assets cases linked to the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project.

20 irrigation officials travelled abroad without clearance

Investigators found that one engineer organised his son’s wedding in Thailand, attended by about 105 guests, including 20 irrigation department officials. Sources said the officials, among them a chief engineer and a superintending engineer, did not obtain mandatory government clearance before travelling abroad. The ACB has written to the irrigation department seeking a report on the matter.

Sridhar’s assets valued at ₹110 crore, probe widens

The ACB earlier arrested executive engineer Nune Sridhar, who worked in the Choppadandi division of the Kaleshwaram project, in a disproportionate assets case and later released him on bail. Officials estimate that his assets are worth around ₹110 crore in the open market. The ACB is now checking wedding expenses as part of its deeper inquiry.

Vigilance and Enforcement, which investigated works at Medigadda barrage, wrote to the ACB detailing how contractors allegedly benefited officials and how the government suffered losses. Acting on this, ACB director general Anjani Kumar wrote to the state chief secretary, noting that further investigation required government directions. He said the vigilance report was being forwarded for review and further action.