How a trap led Telangana ACB to a highly corrupt Addl Collector Venkat Reddy’s illegal wealth

Hyderabad: On December 5, 2025, officials of the Anti-Corruption Bureau caught additional collector Hanumankonda, A Venkat Reddy, red-handed with a bribe of Rs 60,000 in cash at the integrated district complex.

The incident triggered an investigation that led the ACB to find disproportionate assets worth over Rs 7.69 crore linked to the AO (accused officer).

What blew the lid off the case?

The ACB said that Venkat Reddy demanded bribes to process the file pertaining to the renewal of creative model school (primary and high school section). He was also serving as the in-charge Joint Secretary of the Telangana Education Department.

However, a lot more corruption was unearthed as the arrest proved that this was just the tip of the iceberg.

The lid blew off when ACB sleuths, during their investigation, found Rs 30 lakh cash at his residence.

ACB raids multiple locations related to the accused officer

What followed was a comprehensive and in-depth probe and subsequent raids.

ACB, who kept a tight vigil on the accused officer and gathered intel, on January 21, carried out multiple raids at different locations connected to Venkat Reddy. The officer, who is currently under suspension, little did he know that the ACB was coming after something bigger.

In the wee hours of Wednesday, ACB searched his properties at Hyderabad, Nalgonda and Miryalaguda, which revealed many assets possibly bought using illegitimate earnings.

The raids were carried out at his residence and seven other places belonging to him and his relatives.

What officials found during the raid?

The documents found by the ACB during the raids revealed ownership of the AO and his family members. This list of assets identified includes:

- 2 residential houses (a villa and a flat) valued at Rs 4.65 crore

- 1 commercial shop valued at Rs 60 lakh

- 8 open plots valued at Rs 65 lakh

- Agricultural land of 14.25 acres valued at Rs 50 lakh. The market value is expected to be much higher than the official value.

- Cash amounting to Rs 30 lakh

- Bank balances totalling Rs 44 lakh

- Household articles valued at Rs 11 lakh

- 3 four-wheeler vehicles valued at Rs 40 lakh

- Gold ornaments weighing 297 grams. (Gold price in Hyderabad as of January 21 stands at Rs 1.6 lakh per 100 grams)

The total value of assets identified so far is estimated at Rs 7,69,38,332 (approx. Rs 7.69 crore).

“Further verification is in progress to ascertain additional assets and to determine the extent of disproportionate assets, if any,” ACB said. A case under disproportionate assets has been booked against him.

ACB action in 2025 on DA cases highest for that period in 14 years

A comprehensive review of cases registered and investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau has revealed that the number of cases (disproportionate assets or DA cases) booked during the last quarter of 2025 stands as the highest recorded for the corresponding period in the last 14 years.

This number marks a significant milestone in the bureau’s ongoing fight against corruption.

This remarkable achievement reflects the enhanced vigilance, operational efficiency and unwavering commitment of ACB personnel, said the Director General Charu Sinha, IPS. The DG also announced substantial rewards and commendations for officers who demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness during the last quarter of 2025.

Call 1064 to report on government officers asking for bribes

In case a public servant is found to be asking for bribes, the public is requested to report the same by calling 1064, the toll-free number of ACB.

ACB Telangana can also be contacted through their social media platforms:

WhatsApp (9440446106),

Facebook (Telangana ACB),

X/formerly twitter (@Telangana ACB).

The QR code of Telangana ACB is on display prominently at all government offices for the public to contact them. The name and details of the victim/complainant will be kept secret.