How HYDRAA complaint at Bachupally PS led to ACB trapping Assistant Director Kotham Srinivasulu

Hyderabad: HYDRAA’s complaint regarding encroachments has resulted in important officials getting caught in the process of securing bribes.

Recently, HYDRAA filed a case at the Bachupally Police Station against four government officials. This led to the ACB officials trapping and booking Assistant Director Kotham Srinivasulu.

What is the case about?

Last year, the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency was dealing with encroachments within the FTL of Errakunta Lake in Bachupally.

HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath found that Kotham Srinivasulu, the Assistant Director, Survey Settlement and Land Records, Ranga Reddy, manipulated the official survey reports. He changed the survey numbers to accommodate the encroachment (illegal building) and said it does not fall under the FTL, thus favouring the builder. However, the building was deliberately constructed within FTL of Errakunta Lake.

After considerable evidence was gathered, a criminal case was registered against AD Srinivasulu, Municipal Commissioner of Nizampet, Tahsildar, and another person at Bachupally PS.

History of corruption

Kotham Srinivasulu was booked by Anti-Corruption Bureau officials on Thursday.

According to the official data, the officer has acquired assets disproportionate to his known sources of income by indulging in corrupt practices and dubious means during his service. A case under sections 13(1) (b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) has been registered against him.

Before serving in prime districts like Medchal, Malkajgiri and Ranga Reddy, the corrupt officer also served in Nalgonda district and was caught manipulating survey records there. Srinivasulu was also summoned to the police commissioner’s office and warned. This history added weight to the case.

Modus operandi

The accused officer favours whoever approaches him with bribes. He manipulates survey numbers and gives a report in favour of the encroacher.

Unfortunately, he headed districts like Medchal and Malkajgiri as AD of the Survey Settlement and Land Records department and was also given additional charge of Ranga Reddy district. Pertinent to note that the majority of the illegal constructions within the FTL of lakes were recorded in these districts.

The Bachupally police transferred the case to ACB, and he was booked subsequently.

Illegal assets found on Srinivasulu during raids

- A flat at My Home Bhooja, Raidurgam

- A Food Processing Unit/Rice Mill at Narayanpet District

- 11 acres of agricultural land in Karnataka

- 11 acres of agricultural land in Anathapur

- Four plots in Mahabubnagar

- Three plots in Narayanpet District

Further, during the searches, a net cash of Rs 5 lakh, gold ornaments weighing 1.6 kg (approx.) and silver articles weighing around 770 gm were found.

Call 1064

The ACB officials have informed the public that in case of demand for a bribe by any public servant, the public is requested to contact the toll-free number of ACB, i.e., 1064.

The Telangana ACB can also be contacted through social media platforms: WhatsApp (9440446106), Facebook (Telangana ACB) and X (@Telangana ACB).

The QR code of ACB is displayed at all government offices and prominent public places. The name and details of the victim/complainant will be kept secret.