ACB arrests Additional Collector, Hanamkonda, two others for accepting Rs 60K bribe

Hanamkonda: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested the Additional Collector-cum-Incharge, District Education Officer (DEO) of Hanamkonda, along with two section clerks, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 60,000 for renewing the permission of a private school.

The arrests were made during a well-laid trap at the District Education Office on Friday. According to ACB DSP Sambaiah, all three accused were caught red-handed while receiving the illegal payment.

Application pending despite formalities

The Creative Private School in Kothur village, Hanamkonda district, had submitted its online application for renewal of permission nearly a month ago.

After inspection, the Mandal Education Officer (MEO) forwarded the proposal to the District Education Office. However, even after 10 days, the school authorities received no response or approval.

Bribe demand through office staff

When the school correspondent approached the department for clarification, section clerks Ghouse and Manoj allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh, claiming it was necessary to clear the file in the Additional Collector’s office.

Unable to pay such a large amount, the correspondent met Additional Collector Venkat Reddy directly and informed him about the demand. The officer reportedly assured that he would “look into the matter,” but the file remained pending.

Amount reduced to ₹60,000

Two days later, the clerks allegedly informed the school correspondent that the bribe amount was reduced to Rs 60,000. With no alternative to protect the school’s academic operations, the correspondent decided to approach the ACB.

Trap laid, accused caught red-handed

On Friday, as per ACB instructions, the school correspondent visited the District Education Office with the trap money. After confirming the availability of cash, the clerks went into the Additional Collector’s chamber, returned shortly, and collected the Rs 60,000.

ACB officials immediately conducted a raid and caught the clerks red-handed with the tainted cash. During questioning, they reportedly admitted that the money was collected on the instructions of the Additional Collector.

Three arrested, investigation on

Based on the evidence, Additional Collector Venkat Reddy and clerks Ghouse and Manoj were arrested. They have been remanded for further legal proceedings. ACB officials stated that a detailed investigation is underway to verify whether similar bribes were collected in other cases.