ACB Arrests Assistant Director for Manipulating Survey Records in Errakunta Lake Encroachment Case

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Kotham Srinivasulu, Assistant Director of Survey, Settlement and Land Records for Ranga Reddy district, following a complaint filed by HYDRAA at Bachupally Police Station.

The case originated when HYDRAA was investigating encroachments within the Full Tank Level (FTL) of Errakunta lake at Bachupally last year. The HYDRAA Commissioner discovered that Srinivasulu had manipulated official survey reports by changing survey numbers to favor an illegal building construction.

The accused officer falsely reported that the construction did not fall within the FTL levels, when in reality, the building was constructed within the protected zone of Errakunta lake. This manipulation directly benefited the builder involved in the encroachment.

Based on the evidence, a criminal case was registered against AD Srinivasulu, the Municipal Commissioner of Nizampet, a Tahsildar, and another person at Bachupally Police Station. The case was subsequently transferred to ACB, which made the arrest yesterday.

History of Corruption:

This is not Srinivasulu’s first brush with corruption charges. Before serving in prime districts like Medchal, Malkajgiri and Ranga Reddy, he was caught manipulating survey records in Nalgonda District. He was summoned to the Police Commissioner’s office and warned at that time.

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The officer’s modus operandi involved manipulating survey numbers and providing favorable reports to anyone who bribed him. His position as AD Survey in districts where majority of illegal constructions within FTL of lakes were recorded raised serious concerns.

Assets Discovered:

During ACB searches, investigators uncovered disproportionate assets including:

A flat at My Home Bhooja, Raidurgam

A food processing unit/rice mill in Narayanpet District

11 acres of agricultural land in Karnataka

11 acres of agricultural land in Anathapur

Four plots in Mahabubnagar

Three plots in Narayanpet District

Searches also yielded Rs 5 lakh in cash, gold ornaments weighing approximately 1.6 kg, and silver articles weighing around 770 grams.

ACB officials have urged citizens to report bribery demands by contacting the toll-free number 1064, WhatsApp at 9440446106, or through social media platforms including Facebook and X. The bureau assures that complainant details will remain confidential.