UPI bribe racket busted in Karimnagar; ACB arrests excise inspector and teacher, seizes Rs 20 lakh
Investigators identified consistent financial trails, indicating that the teacher’s account was used as a benami channel to mask the origin of illicit money.
By Newsmeter Network
Karimnagar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested a Prohibition and Excise Inspector and a government schoolteacher for allegedly running a benami route to collect and channel illegal gratification through digital transactions over two years.
ACB trap and arrest
According to an official press note, Gundeti Ramu, Prohibition and Excise Inspector (Karimnagar Urban), and Jakkani Venu, Secondary Grade Teacher at MPPS Obulapur in Mallial mandal of Jagtial district, were taken into custody on Tuesday night in a disproportionate assets and corruption-related case.
They were later formally arrested and are being produced before the Special Judge for SPE & ACB cases in Karimnagar.
‘Mamool’ collected via UPI
The ACB investigation revealed that during his tenure as SHO in Vemulawada, the excise inspector allegedly collected regular ‘mamools’ from a jaggery merchant between 2022 and 2024. The bribes were routed through UPI transactions to the teacher, who acted as an intermediary.
Benami transactions unearthed
Officials said the teacher subsequently transferred the funds to the inspector and also to his father’s bank accounts using SBI and Union Bank accounts.
Investigators identified consistent financial trails, indicating that the teacher’s account was used as a benami channel to mask the origin of illicit money.
Rs 20 lakh unaccounted cash seized
During searches at the residence of the excise inspector, ACB officials seized Rs 20 lakh in unaccounted cash from the place. The agency stated that the inspector misused his official position and engaged in corrupt practices with the help of the intermediary.
The ACB confirmed that further investigation is in progress, and the identity of the complainant has been withheld for security reasons.
ACB helpline for public
The bureau urged citizens to report any demand for bribes by public servants through its toll-free helpline 1064. Complaints can also be lodged via WhatsApp (9440446106) or through ACB Telangana’s official social media platforms.
The identity of complainants will be kept confidential, officials assured.
