Hyderabad: Despite repeated crackdowns by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), corruption continues to plague government offices in Telangana. On Monday, August 25, the ACB caught Khammam district Agriculture Department Assistant Director U. Narasimha Rao red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹25,000 at his office in Vidyanagar, Kothagudem.
According to officials, Narasimha Rao had initially demanded ₹50,000 from a fertilizer shop owner in Lakshmidevipalli mandal’s Bangaru Chilaka village. He allegedly threatened to cancel the shop’s licence for irregularities in urea sales unless the bribe was paid.
Demand for bribe after serving show-cause notice.
ACB DSP Y. Ramesh said the officer had visited the fertilizer shop and seized related documents. The shop owner was summoned to the Assistant Director’s office, where Narasimha Rao accused him of lacking proper forms and invoices. He allegedly demanded ₹50,000 from a shop owner to withdraw a show-cause notice issued against the establishment. Unable to meet the demand, the owner approached the ACB with evidence, including an audio recording of the bribe request.
On receiving the complaint, the officials of the ACB organized a trap and intercepted the officer when he was receiving the amount of ₹25,000 from the demanded amount.
Caught red-handed with evidence
The officer was arrested before witnesses, and the chemical test verified the evidence of stained money on his hands. Officials of the Anti-Corruption Bureau stated that the case exemplifies the tendency of public servants to risk their careers even though they know the outcome of getting caught.
DSP Ramesh said that Narasimharao would be subjected to departmental action and further inquiry under the Prevention of Corruption Act. “The officer was caught red-handed with clear evidence. Legal proceedings are being initiated,” he added.
ACB warns of strict action
The ACB appealed to the public to report corruption and promised stern action against maverick officials. Officials observed that despite regular arrests, bribery cases continue to be rampant across departments that come into direct contact with the public such as agriculture, revenue, and city offices.
