Hyderabad: Jeedimetla police on Wednesday arrested a man who posed as a personal assistant to Quthbullapur MLA KP Vivekanand and allegedly extorted lakhs from people by promising double-bedroom houses.
The accused, Bodimi Shetty Haribabu, had worked at the MLA’s camp office and used that association to collect money from constituents seeking housing under the state welfare scheme. When promised houses failed to materialise, victims repeatedly sought refunds. With no response from Haribabu, they approached the police.
Based on complaints, Jeedimetla police registered a case and arrested him. Victims alleged he collected money over several months and misused his proximity to the MLA to gain trust.
In a public statement, MLA KP Vivekanand distanced himself from the accused, stating Haribabu was removed from duties a year and a half ago after suspicions of corruption emerged. He claimed the office had directed victims to file police complaints at that time.
Haribabu had earlier been seen assisting at the MLA’s offices in Chintal, Pet Basheerabad, and during camp interactions.
