Telangana ACB Arrests Panchayat Secretary in Rs 25,000 Bribery Case

Telangana ACB Arrests Banapuram Panchayat Secretary in Rs 25,000 Bribery Case

A village panchayat secretary in Telangana's Khammam district has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after allegedly accepting a Rs 25,000 bribe for processing a house construction permission and house number application. The accused was caught while allegedly receiving the money during an ACB trap operation in Mudigonda mandal.

According to ACB officials, the incident took place in Banapuram village under Mudigonda mandal. The complainant had applied around two months ago at the Banapuram Gram Panchayat office seeking approval to construct a house on his own land, along with the issuance of a house number.

As part of the application process, the complainant approached Panchayat Secretary Tammishetti Suresh regarding the pending approval. During their interaction, the official allegedly demanded Rs 40,000 as illegal gratification to clear the application and complete the required formalities.

Unable to meet the full demand, the complainant reportedly negotiated the amount, after which both sides agreed on Rs 25,000. Instead of making the payment privately, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and lodged a complaint.

Following the complaint, ACB officials planned a trap operation. During the operation, Suresh was allegedly caught red-handed while accepting Rs 25,000 from the complainant.

ACB Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramesh confirmed that the accused was taken into custody immediately after the operation. A case has been registered against the panchayat secretary under the relevant provisions of anti-corruption law, and he has been produced before the ACB Court for further legal proceedings.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau regularly conducts trap operations in response to complaints alleging bribery by public servants. Such operations are intended to curb corruption in government offices and encourage citizens to report demands for illegal payments through official channels.

The investigation into the case is continuing.