Telangana ACB Intensifies Anti-Corruption Efforts in 2024

NEWS CHARIOT (Hyderabad, Dec.31) : In 2024, the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a rigorous campaign against corruption, targeting government officials across various departments. This year, the ACB apprehended 170 officials for engaging in misconduct and accepting bribes. The ACB also released a comprehensive report detailing its investigations and actions, which revealed widespread corruption in key departments, including Revenue, Police, Panchayat Raj, and Stamps & Registration.

Department-Wise Breakdown of Arrests

• Police Department:
  31 officials, ranging from constables to DSPs, were caught red-handed accepting bribes.
• Revenue Department:
  19 officials were exposed for corrupt practices.
• Registration Department:
  13 officials were found accepting bribes during the year.
• Panchayat Raj Department:
  24 officials faced charges for corruption-related offenses.

Prominent Cases Tackled by ACB

1. Bribery in Police Investigations:
   • In Kushaiguda, a police inspector and sub-inspector were caught accepting a bribe of ₹3 lakh to close a case.
   • A CCS Inspector in Hyderabad demanded ₹15 lakh, receiving ₹3 lakh as an advance before being caught. Investigators revealed that he had already collected ₹5 lakh earlier.
   • In Sangareddy, a police inspector demanded ₹1.5 crore in bribes and was caught while accepting ₹5 lakh as an initial payment.
2. Disproportionate Assets (DA) Cases:
   • Former HMDA Director Shiva Balakrishna:
     ACB investigations unearthed ₹250 crore worth of illegal assets, including 214 acres of land, 29 plots, luxury branded watches, iPhones, and other high-value possessions.
   • Irrigation Department Engineer:
     An assistant executive engineer was found with disproportionate assets worth ₹100 crore.
   • Hyderabad CPS ACP:
     Authorities uncovered illegal assets valued at ₹3.95 crore.
   • Shamshabad Tehsildar:
     The official demanded a ₹20 lakh bribe and was caught accepting ₹10 lakh in cash.

Legal Outcomes and Convictions

Out of the 170 officials charged by the ACB in 2024, 12 were convicted in court, receiving prison sentences ranging from 1 to 4 years. These convictions demonstrate the judiciary’s support for the ACB’s mission to hold corrupt officials accountable.

Public Concern and Administrative Impact

The report has highlighted the pervasive nature of corruption within Telangana’s administrative machinery. Departments like Revenue, Police, and Panchayat Raj are under scrutiny for enabling corrupt practices that undermine public trust.

ACB’s Commitment to Transparency

The Telangana ACB’s stringent actions this year underscore its dedication to combating corruption. By uncovering high-profile cases and prosecuting offenders, the bureau has sent a strong message about the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.

This intensified crackdown serves as a warning to public servants engaging in corrupt practices and reassures citizens of the government’s commitment to ethical administration.