How Srikakulam BC Welfare officer was collecting kickbacks from hostel officers at Rs 15 per student

Srikakulam: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials conducted searches at the residence of Gaddi Bala Mukunda Rao, Assistant Backward Classes Welfare Officer (ABCWO), Narasampeta and FAC of Sompeta in Srikakulam district, on Monday, and unearthed assets worth approximately Rs 1.10 crore.

The searches were carried out as part of the ongoing investigation into a disproportionate assets and corruption case registered against the official under the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.

Caught receiving kickbacks

According to ACB officials, a surprise check was conducted on January 28, after credible information that the officer was allegedly collecting kickbacks from Hostel Welfare Officers under his jurisdiction at the rate of Rs 15 per student.

During the raid, ACB officials reportedly caught him while accepting illegal gratification. A total of Rs 1,84,070 was seized from the officer and his office attendant, Gudla Ramakrishna.

Following the operation, a criminal case (Cr.No.3/RCO-ACB-SKL/2026) was registered by the ACB, Srikakulam unit.

House search and seizures

As part of the investigation, ACB teams conducted searches at his residence located at DCCB Colony, Chapuram, 3-Chinna Bazaar in Srikakulam town on March 2.

During the house search, officials seized incriminating documents and unearthed the following assets:

- Four immovable properties within the jurisdiction of Rajam, Srikakulam and Kottavalasa Sub-Registrar offices, including a building in Srikakulam town

- Gold ornaments weighing about 322 grams

- Silver articles weighing approximately 1.75 kg

- Cash

- One Maruti Celerio car

- Two motorcycles

- Valuable household articles

The total value of the assets identified so far is estimated at around Rs 1.10 crore.

ACB officials stated that further investigation into the case is in progress to verify the source of the assets and examine possible disproportionate wealth.

Public advisory

The Anti-Corruption Bureau has urged citizens to report instances of corruption in government departments through the toll-free number 1064, mobile number 94404 40057, or via email at complaints-acb@ap.gov.in, assuring the confidentiality of informants.