ACB raid exposes irregularities in Sathupally municipal office
KHAMMAM: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Khammam Range, conducted a surprise check at the office of the Municipal Commissioner, Sathupally Municipality, on March 31, 2026, and detected multiple irregularities in financial records and revenue collection.
Officials said the inspection covered records, financial transactions, pending tax applications and overall functioning of the municipal office. Several discrepancies were found during the verification process.
Revenue gaps across taxes raise concern
According to ACB findings for the 2025–26 financial year, significant gaps were noted in revenue collection. Under the Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS), ₹14.44 crore was to be collected, but only ₹1.30 crore was realised, leaving a balance of ₹13.08 crore.
In property tax, against a target of ₹5.12 crore, ₹53.38 lakh was collected, leaving ₹1.02 crore pending. Advertisement tax collections were negligible. Overall, out of ₹22.23 crore due, ₹7.99 crore was collected, leaving ₹14.23 crore pending.
Suspicious transactions found in staff mobile phones
During verification of staff mobile phones, officials detected suspicious financial transactions. The mobile phone of Naguibandi Narasimha Rao, identified as a collector in Sathupally Municipality, showed questionable transactions involving M. Srinivas, a manager in the municipality, and others.
ACB officials said these transactions require further scrutiny to establish any wrongdoing.
Detailed probe underway to fix responsibility
The bureau also found irregularities in maintenance of records and revenue collection processes. Officials said these issues require detailed examination.
“Further verification of records is in progress to ascertain the extent of lapses and fix responsibility on the officials concerned,” the ACB said in a statement.
A detailed report will be submitted to the government recommending action against the responsible municipal officials.
The ACB urged the public to report bribery demands by public servants through its toll-free helpline 1064. Complaints can also be lodged via WhatsApp and social media platforms, with assurance of confidentiality.
