Penukonda tribal welfare officer convicted in corruption case, gets 7 years in jail and Rs 2 lakh fine
The case pertains to Gummala Nagabhushanam, who was serving as ATWO at Penukonda at the time of the offence
By Newsmeter Network
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Ananthapuram/Kurnool: An Assistant Tribal Welfare Officer (ATWO) posted at Penukonda in Ananthapuram district has been convicted in a corruption case and sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment by a Special ACB Court in Kurnool on Tuesday.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh, while directing that Rs 1.9 lakh be paid as compensation to the complainant and his wife.
Bribe demand for an incentive from inter-caste marriage
The case pertains to Gummala Nagabhushanam, who was serving as ATWO at Penukonda at the time of the offence.
According to the prosecution, the complainant, Kolimi Ajmath of Rayadurgam, had applied in 2016 for an incentive offered by the Tribal Welfare Department for inter-caste marriages after marrying a Scheduled Tribe woman in 2014.
During the processing of the application, Nagabhushanam allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 5,000 to prepare the bill, forward it to the Treasury, and ensure credit of the incentive amount. The demand was later reduced to Rs 4,000.
Caught red-handed by ACB
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Acting on the complaint, ACB officials registered a case on April 27, 2018, and laid a trap.
Nagabhushanam was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 4,000 from the complainant and was subsequently arrested.
After completing the investigation, the ACB filed a chargesheet in December 2020. The court took cognisance in March 2021, and trial began in April 2022.
Out of 19 witnesses cited, 17 were examined. The prosecution also submitted 29 documents and eight material objects as evidence. The trial concluded in September 2025.
Delivering the verdict on March 31, 2026, the Special Judge found the accused guilty under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act and awarded seven years’ rigorous imprisonment along with a Rs 2 lakh fine.
Compensation to victim
The court ordered that Rs 1.9 lakh from the fine amount be paid to the complainant and his wife as compensation under Section 357 of the CrPC.
Service background
Nagabhushanam joined government service as a Hostel Welfare Officer Grade-II in 1991, was promoted to Grade-I in 2007, and later became an Assistant Tribal Welfare Officer in 2016. He retired from service on May 31, 2024.
ACB appeal to citizens
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has urged citizens to report instances of bribery or corruption through its toll-free number 1064, mobile number 9440440057, or email. Officials assured that complainants’ identities will be kept confidential.
