Gadwal panchayat secretary Ranganna caught taking Rs 15,000 bribe at mandal office

Gadwal: Officials of the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) caught a Panchayat Secretary of Eklaspur village in Jogulamba Gadwal district red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 from a complainant for releasing a housing scheme payment.

Caught red-handed at MPDO office

The accused officer, Boya Ranganna, Panchayat Secretary of Eklaspur village in Ieeja Mandal, was trapped by ACB officials on Friday at the MPDO (Mandal Parishad Development Officer) office premises in the mandal.

According to ACB officials, Ranganna demanded money from the complainant in return for processing official work related to the Indiramma Housing Scheme.

Bribe to release Indiramma housing money

The official allegedly demanded a bribe to release the first instalment of the Indiramma house construction bill sanctioned in the name of the complainant’s wife.

He also promised to ensure that the remaining three instalments of the housing scheme funds would be sanctioned without any interruption.

Initially, the Panchayat Secretary demanded Rs 20,000 as a bribe (Rs 5,000 for each instalment). However, after the complainant requested a reduction, the amount was reportedly brought down to Rs 15,000.

ACB lays the trap

Following a complaint, ACB officials laid a trap and caught the accused officer while accepting the bribe amount of Rs 15,000. The tainted cash was recovered from his possession in the presence of officials.

ACB authorities stated that the officer misused his official position and acted dishonestly to obtain undue advantage.

The accused officer has been arrested and will be produced before the I Additional Special Judge for Trial of SPE and ACB Cases Court in Hyderabad. The case is currently under investigation.

ACB officials said the identity of the complainant has been withheld for security reasons.

What is the ACB helpline for bribery complaints?

The ACB has urged citizens to report any demand for bribes by public servants.

Toll-Free Number: 1064

WhatsApp: 9440446106

Facebook: Telangana ACB

X (Twitter): @TelanganaACB

The bureau also stated that QR codes to contact ACB Telangana have been displayed in government offices and public places, and the details of complainants will be kept confidential.