ACB traps panchayat secretary in Ranga Reddy while accepting Rs 20,000

Hyderabad: A Panchayat Secretary in Ranga Reddy district was caught red-handed by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials on Tuesday while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000, an amount he had allegedly reduced from an initial demand of Rs 30,000.

Bribe ‘negotiated’ for official work

The accused, M Sharath Kumar, posted at Veljal village in Talakondapally mandal, had reportedly demanded Rs 30,000 from a complainant for completing official work related to land records.

After the complainant expressed an inability to pay the full amount, the official allegedly agreed to settle for Rs 20,000.

The bribe was sought for uploading the complainant’s site details online and issuing a No Due Certificate along with a Property Valuation Certificate.

ACB lays trap, catches official

Following a complaint, ACB officials laid a trap and apprehended the official at around 3 pm while he was accepting the reduced bribe amount. The tainted cash of Rs 20,000 was recovered from his possession.

Officials said the Panchayat Secretary misused his position and acted dishonestly to obtain undue financial gain.

The accused has been arrested and will be produced before the First Additional Special Judge for SPE and ACB cases in Nampally for judicial remand. Further investigation into the case is underway.

Public urged to report corruption

The ACB has appealed to citizens to report any demand for bribes by public servants. Complaints can be lodged through the toll-free number 1064, WhatsApp (9440446106) or via ACB Telangana’s official social media platforms.

Authorities assured that the identity of the complainants will be kept confidential.