Collector Arrested for Bribery
Telangana: Ranga Reddy District Additional Collector Arrested for Accepting Rs 8 Lakh Bribe
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Telangana arrested Ranga Reddy district’s Additional Collector, MV Bhoopal Reddy, and Senior Assistant Y Madan Mohan Reddy on August 13. The arrest was made after the officers were caught accepting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh to alter land records in the Dharani portal, a crucial platform for managing land transactions in the state.
The Accused and Their Actions
The ACB’s swift action came after a complaint was filed by Jakkidi Muthyam Reddy, a resident of Gurramguda Village in Balapur Mandal, Ranga Reddy district. According to the complaint, Madan Mohan Reddy, acting on behalf of Bhoopal Reddy, demanded a bribe of Rs 8 lakh to remove 14 guntas of land from the prohibited list on the Dharani portal. The land in question was crucial for the complainant, and the removal of the restriction was essential for proceeding with further transactions.
The ACB meticulously planned the operation to catch the officers red-handed. On the day of the incident, Madan Mohan Reddy accepted the bribe amount from the complainant inside his car. The cash was then handed over to Additional Collector Bhoopal Reddy at a designated spot near the Pedda Amberpet Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Hyderabad.
ACB’s Investigation and Evidence Collection
The Anti-Corruption Bureau’s investigation revealed that both officers were involved in the bribery scheme. After accepting the bribe from the complainant, Madan Mohan Reddy informed Bhoopal Reddy of the successful transaction. Following Bhoopal Reddy’s instructions, Madan Mohan Reddy met him near the ORR, where the money was handed over.
During the operation, the ACB officers conducted a Phenolphthalein test on Madan Mohan Reddy’s hands, which tested positive, confirming that he had handled the bribe money. Subsequently, the bribe amount of Rs 8 lakh was recovered from Madan Mohan Reddy’s car, where it had been initially stored. Further investigation led the ACB to Bhoopal Reddy’s official vehicle, where the plastic bag containing the cash was found. The money in Bhoopal Reddy’s possession also tested positive in the Phenolphthalein test, solidifying the evidence against both accused.
Abuse of Power and Official Position
The actions of MV Bhoopal Reddy and Y Madan Mohan Reddy represent a severe abuse of their official positions and the powers vested in them. As public servants, they were entrusted with the responsibility to serve the people with integrity and uphold the law. Instead, they chose to exploit their positions for personal gain, compromising the very system they were meant to protect.
This incident has brought to light the darker side of bureaucracy, where the misuse of power can have far-reaching consequences for ordinary citizens. The Dharani portal, designed to streamline land transactions and bring transparency to the process, was manipulated by those entrusted to maintain its sanctity. Such actions undermine public trust and highlight the need for strict vigilance and accountability in the public sector.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Following their arrest, both MV Bhoopal Reddy and Y Madan Mohan Reddy will be produced before the Principal Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases Court in Hyderabad. The legal process will involve a thorough investigation by the ACB, which is expected to gather additional evidence and take statements from witnesses to build a strong case against the accused.
If convicted, the officers could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, as stipulated under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case will serve as a stern reminder to public officials about the consequences of engaging in corrupt practices.
Conclusion
The arrest of Ranga Reddy district’s Additional Collector and Senior Assistant in a bribery case has sent shockwaves through Telangana’s administrative circles. The Anti-Corruption Bureau’s swift action in nabbing the accused red-handed underscores the importance of vigilance in combating corruption. As the legal process unfolds, the case will be closely watched, not only by the residents of Ranga Reddy district but also by the wider public, who expect accountability and transparency from those in positions of power.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption and the need for continued efforts to ensure that public servants act in the best interests of the people they are meant to serve.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on the official statements and ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The outcome of the case is subject to judicial proceedings.