Delayed services to overcharging: V&E raid at SRO, Azampura exposes serious lapses

Hyderabad: A surprise inspection by the Vigilance & Enforcement (V&E) Department at the Sub-Registrar Office (SRO) in Azampura has exposed serious lapses.

From delayed services to alleged overcharging and the presence of unauthorized persons inside the office, the raid has exposed the highhandedness.

The raid, carried out on April 6 by the V&E Hyderabad City-2 Unit as part of intensified checks in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE), painted a troubling picture of how the office was functioning.

65 documents delayed beyond timeline

In a major violation of the Citizen Charter, officials found 65 documents pending for disbursement well beyond the stipulated time in 2026, leaving applicants waiting indefinitely.

Cash irregularities among staff

Most staff members had not declared cash in their personal cash registers, triggering concerns over transparency and possible financial misconduct.

Unauthorized persons found inside office

In a shocking discovery, private individuals were seen working within the SRO premises, despite having no official authorization, pointing to serious administrative lapses.

Public alleges overcharging

Citizens interacting with vigilance officials alleged that amounts higher than the prescribed fees were being collected, indicating possible exploitation of applicants.

Citizen charter missing

The office also failed to display the mandatory Citizen Charter, depriving visitors of crucial information about services, timelines, and official charges.

CCTV cameras not working

Adding to the concerns, CCTV cameras were found non-functional, raising red flags over accountability and surveillance in a sensitive public office.

Vigilance tightens grip on urban offices

The V&E Department has flagged the irregularities and is likely to initiate action. The inspection is part of a broader crackdown aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in government offices across Hyderabad’s CURE region.