Sri Satya Sai district Tahsildar Sreedhar caught red-handed accepting Rs 20,000 bribe

Anantapuram: A Tahsildar of Gudibanda mandal in Sri Satya Sai district was caught red-handed by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials on Tuesday while allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 for processing a land mutation application.

Complaint over land mutation delay

The accused, Kunakuntla Sreedhar, was trapped following a complaint lodged by Shaik Saddam Hussain, a resident of Penukonda mandal.

According to ACB officials, the complainant’s family had been pursuing mutation of agricultural land measuring about 20.32 acres, originally owned by his great-grandfather, in the revenue records.

Due to prolonged absence from their native village, the complainant’s father had not received his rightful share in the family property.

After obtaining favourable orders from a civil court and securing relinquishment of shares from other family members, he applied for mutation and issuance of pattadar passbooks about six months ago.

Bribe demand for official work

Despite repeated visits to the Tahsildar’s office and representations to higher authorities, the application was not processed. Officials said the Tahsildar allegedly demanded a bribe to complete the work.

On March 25, when the complainant and his father met the Tahsildar again, he reportedly demanded Rs 20,000 to process the file. Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint.

ACB lays trap, arrests accused

Acting on the complaint, ACB officials laid a trap and caught the Tahsildar red-handed on Tuesday while accepting the bribe amount at his office. He was immediately taken into custody.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and searches are being conducted at the accused’s residence and office premises.

The arrested official will be produced before the Special Judge for ACB cases in Kurnool for judicial proceedings.

Service background of accused

Sreedhar began his career as a typist in 1987 and was later promoted to Senior Assistant in 1992. He became Deputy Tahsildar in 2009 and was elevated as Tahsildar in 2023. He has been serving in Gudibanda mandal since July 2025.

Where to report about corruption

The ACB has urged citizens to report instances of bribery or corruption through its toll-free number 1064, mobile number 94404 40057, or email complaints-acb@ap.gov.in.