TELANGANA: Grama Palana Officer caught taking ₹15,000 bribe in Bhadradri Kothagudem
HYDERABAD: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Khammam Range, on October 27, 2025, caught Banavath Srinivas Rao, 36, Grama Palana Officer of Pusugudem Revenue Cluster under Tahsildar, Mulakalapally mandal, red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹15,000 for showing official favour.
According to ACB officials, the accused officer had initially demanded ₹60,000 from a complainant for completing registration formalities and issuing land passbooks pertaining to Survey No. 254/AA of Vemukunta village, covering an extent of 2 acres and 30 guntas. On negotiation, the demand was reduced to ₹15,000.
Earlier payments through PhonePe and cash
Investigators said Srinivas Rao had earlier received ₹30,000 through PhonePe and ₹10,000 in cash on October 22, 2025. The remaining ₹15,000 was received on October 27, when ACB officials apprehended him during a trap laid at 11.17 hours.
Tainted cash seized, accused arrested
The tainted money was recovered from the possession of the accused. Officials said the officer acted dishonestly and in violation of his duties to gain undue advantage. Srinivas Rao was arrested and produced before the Special Judge for SPE and ACB cases, Warangal. The case is under investigation.
ACB Telangana urged citizens to report demands for bribes by calling the toll-free number 1064 or through WhatsApp at 94404 46106. Complainants’ identities will be kept confidential.
