Hyderabad: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) carried out unexpected inspections at the Road Transport Authority (RTA) checkpoint in Pondurthi, located in Bhiknoor Mandal of Kamareddy District, on Wednesday. This action came after reports of corruption in various departments.
During the operation, officials found Rs 16,000 with AMVI Sam Richardson and Rs 9,000 with private agent G Shiva Kumar. Additionally, they discovered Rs 74,000 hidden in an office file folder.
The ACB noticed that many drivers paid cash to pass through the RTA checkpoint, indicating a well-organized extortion scheme. At the time of the inspection, Rs 23,000 was seized, and the total unaccounted money confiscated amounted to Rs 52,000. It was also found that RTA officials employed five unauthorized private individuals to help with checkpoint duties, four of whom were present on-site.
The officials observed that these individuals were neglecting their duties, allowing agents to stop vehicles and collect illegal payments. A detailed report will be submitted to the government, suggesting appropriate actions against those involved.
Simultaneously, the ACB’s Warangal Range Unit conducted a surprise inspection at the Government Tribal Welfare Ashrama High School & Hostel (Girls) in Mahabubabad District. The team, assisted by various inspectors, assessed food quality, sanitation, student attendance, and hostel records.
The inspection revealed irregularities such as inflated attendance figures and poorly maintained registers. A report is being prepared for the government to recommend action against the responsible officials.
In a separate incident, the ACB caught Veeravalli Kanakaratnam, the Engineer in Chief of the Panchayat Raj Department, accepting a Rs 50,000 bribe for a transfer and posting request.
The ACB urged the public to report any bribery demands by public servants. Complaints can be made by calling 1064 or through social media platforms like WhatsApp (9440446106), Facebook, and X/formerly Twitter (@Telangana ACB). The identity of complainants will remain confidential.
