Siddipet Tahsildar Caught by ACB While Allegedly Accepting Rs 70,000 Bribe
A tahsildar in Telangana's Siddipet district was caught by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials while allegedly accepting a Rs 70,000 bribe to process land conversion applications, according to officials. The accused, Cherial Tahsildar Korra Dileep Naik, was apprehended during a trap operation after a complainant reported that money had been demanded for clearing pending NALA conversion applications.
The operation took place at the Cherial Tahsildar's office, where ACB officials said they caught the revenue officer accepting cash from the complainant. Following the arrest, investigators conducted a chemical test on the official's hands, which reportedly yielded a positive result, indicating contact with the treated currency notes. The alleged bribe amount was seized, and further legal action has been initiated.
Complaint led to ACB trap
According to the complaint, a resident of Nagapuri village had been seeking approval for NALA conversion related to his land. The applicant had reportedly been visiting the Cherial Tahsildar's office for an extended period to secure clearance of the applications.
The complainant alleged that Tahsildar Korra Dileep Naik demanded Rs 70,000 to approve a total of 11 NALA conversion applications. Rather than paying the amount, the applicant approached the Medak Range Anti-Corruption Bureau and lodged a formal complaint.
Based on the complaint, ACB officials planned a trap operation. On Monday afternoon, a team led by an ACB Deputy Superintendent of Police conducted a raid at the Cherial Tahsildar's office. Officials said the tahsildar was caught red-handed while allegedly accepting the Rs 70,000 from the complainant.
Chemical test confirmed contact with currency
After the trap, ACB personnel carried out the standard chemical examination on the accused official's hands. According to the agency, the test returned a positive result. Investigators also recovered the alleged bribe money from the official during the operation.
The seized cash has been taken into evidence as part of the investigation. Authorities said further proceedings will be carried out in accordance with anti-corruption laws.
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Land conversion approvals under scrutiny
The case centres on the processing of NALA conversion applications, a procedure required for certain categories of land use conversion under the revenue administration. Delays or irregularities in such approvals can significantly affect landowners seeking to use or develop their properties.
The ACB's action followed the complainant's decision to report the alleged demand instead of paying the requested amount. Trap operations of this nature are routinely conducted by the agency after verifying complaints of bribery against public servants.
The arrest has drawn attention within Siddipet district, where the incident occurred inside the Cherial Tahsildar's office during official working hours.