Horticulture Officer Caught Red Handed

Telangana Horticulture Officer Arrested for Bribery in Telangana

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Telangana arrested a district horticulture and sericulture officer, K. Suryanarayana, on the evening of September 17. The officer was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 1.14 lakh at his office located in the integrated district collectorate of Bhadradri Kothagudem.

The arrest is part of an ongoing effort to tackle corruption within government departments, and the case has sent shockwaves through the local administration. The horticulture officer bribery case highlights the extent to which government officials may abuse their power for personal gain.

The Bribery Demand

The accused officer, K. Suryanarayana, allegedly demanded the bribe from a company representative. The amount of Rs 1,14,000 was reportedly requested to process and forward bills amounting to Rs 14,17,778. These bills were related to 15 files for farmers in the Palvancha, Mulakalapalli, and Dammapeta mandals. The bribe was linked to the approval of payments for drip irrigation equipment supplied by Texmo, a company involved in the distribution of agricultural machinery.

Farmers in these regions had purchased the drip irrigation equipment under various government schemes to improve their agricultural output. However, the bribery case suggests that corruption within the system is hampering the effective execution of such initiatives.

Caught in the Act

Acting on a complaint filed by the Texmo company representative, ACB officials set a trap to catch the officer red-handed. K. Suryanarayana instructed the complainant to bring the bribe money in a black bag, which was then delivered to the officer’s office. Upon receiving the cash, ACB officials moved in to arrest him.

In the horticulture officer bribery case, a chemical test was conducted to verify the presence of tainted cash on Suryanarayana’s hands and clothing. The test confirmed that the officer had handled the bribe money, leading to his immediate arrest.

Drip Irrigation Files Involved

The 15 files at the center of this case were related to drip irrigation equipment supplied to farmers. Drip irrigation, a vital technology for conserving water and increasing crop productivity, is widely used in regions like Telangana, where water scarcity is an ongoing concern.

However, the bribery case indicates that the process of releasing funds for such equipment was manipulated by the officer. The farmers, who should have benefited from timely payments, were instead caught in bureaucratic delays caused by corrupt practices.

The horticulture officer bribery case underscores the need for greater oversight and transparency in the administration of agricultural schemes, especially those that are meant to support vulnerable farming communities.

Investigation and Next Steps

Following the arrest, K. Suryanarayana was taken into custody by ACB officials, and a case was registered against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The authorities have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, and they are currently gathering more evidence to build a strong case against the accused officer.

The horticulture officer bribery case is expected to shed light on other potential irregularities in the department and may lead to further arrests. The ACB has vowed to continue its efforts in eliminating corruption from various government sectors in Telangana.

Corruption in Public Offices

The arrest of K. Suryanarayana is just one example of the broader issue of corruption in public offices across India. Cases like the horticulture officer bribery case are becoming increasingly common, and government agencies are stepping up efforts to root out corrupt officials.

Corruption undermines public trust in government institutions and hinders the development of crucial sectors like agriculture. The Telangana ACB has been proactive in addressing such issues, and this case serves as a reminder that no official is above the law.

Conclusion

The horticulture officer bribery case in Bhadradri Kothagudem is a stark reminder of the corruption that exists within public offices. While the arrest of K. Suryanarayana by the ACB is a step toward accountability, it also highlights the need for continued vigilance to prevent such practices from recurring.

The case underscores the importance of integrity in public service, particularly in departments like horticulture that directly impact the livelihood of farmers. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that justice will be served, and reforms will be introduced to minimize corruption in the future.

Disclaimer:

This article provides a factual report of an ongoing investigation by the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). All details are based on official sources, and further developments may arise as the investigation proceeds.

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