ACB books Nagarkurnool agriculture officer Kiran Kumar in DA case; assets worth Rs 4 crore found

Hyderabad: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a Disproportionate Assets (DA) case against an Assistant Director of Agriculture posted in Kalwakurthy Division of Nagarkurnool district.

‘Rs 4 crore illegal assets unearthed’

Preliminary searches conducted on Saturday reportedly unearthed properties and investments valued at around Rs 4 crore at documented prices, with officials estimating the market value to be nearly 10 times higher.

The accused officer, identified as Sundari Kiran Kumar, is alleged to have acquired assets disproportionate to his known sources of income by indulging in corrupt practices during his service tenure.

A case has been registered under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018). The matter is currently under investigation.

Searches at eight locations

ACB teams carried out simultaneous searches on February 21 at the officer’s residence and seven other premises linked to his family members and associates.

Officials said the searches were part of a preliminary inquiry into allegations of illegal asset accumulation.

Further scrutiny of financial records and property documents is underway to determine the exact extent of disproportionate assets.

Assets unearthed during raids

According to ACB officials, the following assets were identified during the searches:

- Agricultural land measuring about 97.03 acres

- Three open plots

- Five vehicles

- Insurance policies worth Rs 5.5 lakh

- Investments amounting to Rs 50 lakh in the name of the officer and his family members

- Two flats

- One house

The total documented value of movable and immovable assets identified so far stands at approximately Rs 4 crore.

However, officials stated that the prevailing market value of these properties could be substantially higher.

Further verification underway

The ACB said verification is in progress to ascertain whether additional assets exist and to determine the precise quantum of disproportionate wealth.

Based on the outcome of the investigation, further legal action will be initiated as per the law.

ACB urges public to report bribe demands

The Anti-Corruption Bureau has appealed to citizens to report any demand for bribes by public servants. Complaints can be lodged through the toll-free helpline 1064.

The ACB can also be contacted via WhatsApp (9440446106), Facebook (Telangana ACB), and X (formerly Twitter) @TelanganaACB. Officials assured that the identity of the complainants will be kept confidential.