ACB raids in Telangana: Tribal hostel officials, transport and irrigation officers held

Hyderabad: Sleuths of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday unearthed serious irregularities at a tribal welfare hostel in Medak district and nabbed three government officials, including a district transport officer and an irrigation engineer, in two separate bribery cases.

Surprise ACB raid at ST Boys Hostel in Medak

A surprise inspection was carried out at around 6 am by the ACB Medak Range at the ST Boys Ashram (Hostel) in Mohammadabad village of Narsapur mandal, Medak district.

The inspection team included officials from the Food Safety, Sanitation and Weights and Measures departments, who jointly examined the quality and quantity of food served to students, sanitation conditions and maintenance of hostel premises, student strength and maintenance of official records and infrastructure and availability of basic amenities.

Findings

The inspection revealed several irregularities; records were not properly maintained, washrooms lacked electricity and running water, and overall hygiene of the premises was found to be poor.

The hostel currently accommodates 81 students and the warden Aemula Rekha, who has been in charge since 2024, is likely to face departmental action. A detailed report is being submitted to the State government recommending disciplinary measures.

DTO and driver caught accepting bribe in Jagtial

In another development, ACB sleuths apprehended Banoth Bhadru Naik, District Transport Officer (DTO) of Jagtial, and his private driver Banoth Aravind for accepting a bribe of Rs 22,000 from a complainant.

The duo had initially demanded Rs 40,000, which was later negotiated down to Rs 35,000. The complainant had already paid Rs 13,000 on August 4.

The bribe was demanded to avoid booking a case against a ‘proclaimed vehicle’ to waive off fines and to release the complainant’s confiscated mobile phones.

The trap was laid by the ACB following a formal complaint, and both individuals were caught red-handed.

Irrigation engineer caught in Rs 3,000 bribe case in Mahabubnagar

In a third incident, Mohd. Fayaz, Assistant Executive Engineer, Irrigation Department, Mahabubnagar district, was caught by ACB officials while accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000.

The bribe was allegedly taken to facilitate the uploading of a Joint Inspection Report and No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a land parcel under the Land Regularisation Scheme (LRS) on the official government portal.

Crackdown to continue

All three cases are under investigation, and further action will be initiated based on findings. The ACB reiterated its commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability in public service across the State.