Kickbacks on PhonePe: TGSPDCL suspends 8 engineers for taking bribes

Telangana: Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) has placed eight engineers under suspension for allegedly taking bribes from customers. Interestingly, some of the accused used the digital payment platform `PhonePe' to accept the bribe money.

Those suspended include Assistant Divisional Engineers (ADEs), Assistant Engineers (AEs), and Sub-Engineers.

Anti Bribe Cell (ABC), set up by TGSPDCL Managing Director Musharraf Ali Faruqui soon after taking over on February 18, 2025, found eight officials seeking bribes from consumers. Some were even caught on phone demanding kickbacks.

TGSPCL immediately suspended engineering officials for allegedly extorting money from the public. “It has been established that the suspended officials have taken money. The bribe money has been diverted to family, friends, and benami accounts. Few officials were found to have two phones for transferring bribe money,” an official said.

Earlier, ABC received multiple complaints alleging that these officials were demanding hefty bribes for new electricity connections, installing panel boards, and sanctioning transformers. Investigations revealed that the officials had allegedly accepted bribes through digital payment platforms such as PhonePe.

“It was important to establish an Anti-Bribe Cell within the TGSPCL. When complaints are directed to the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau, and the sleuths plan a trap or book a disproportionate assets case. Because the process is time-consuming, 90 percent of cases lose their sheen. TGSPCL wants to tackle corruption immediately and intends to be more proactive,” Musharraf Ali Faruqui told NewsMeter.

He said ABC was established to tackle complaints immediately. The officials conduct various levels of investigation and take action only when the prima facie involvement is established.

Faruqui noted that this is not the first time that officials have been suspended. Earlier, six to seven officials were suspended. “When the crime is established, the head office writes to the concerned local office to suspend the involved officials. I've been informed that, under pressure, earlier suspension orders against six to seven employees were not executed. The department heads have been asked to explain. This time, TGSPCL's head office has issued a suspension order. The officials will remain suspended pending enquiry,” he said.

Message to the public -

Consumers are requested not to approach any middleman or pay bribes. Bring issues to the notice of the higher-ups in the department.

If a line man or electricity officer is demanding a bribe for a new power connection, sanctioning of transformers, or installing panel boards, call TGSPDCL Anti Bribery Cell on 04023454884 or 7680901912.