ACB Arrests Prakasam Mines Surveyor in Major Disproportionate Assets Case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Nellore has made a significant arrest in a high-profile corruption case, targeting a government official accused of amassing wealth far beyond his legitimate income sources. The operation underscores the agency's ongoing crackdown on graft within public departments.
Official Arrested and Charges Filed
Sleuths from the ACB's Nellore unit apprehended Sk Abdul Asif, who served as a Surveyor-II in the office of the deputy director of mines and geology for Prakasam district. The arrest was executed in connection with a disproportionate assets (DA) case registered against him at the Nellore ACB station.
A formal case has been lodged under Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. This legal framework is designed to tackle public servants who misuse their positions for illicit financial gain.
Extensive Searches and Seizures Uncover Illicit Wealth
As part of a meticulous investigation, ACB teams conducted simultaneous raids across five key locations: Vijayawada, Ongole, Markapuram, Kanigiri, and Guntur. These searches targeted properties linked to the accused and his relatives, yielding a trove of incriminating evidence.
The seized assets paint a picture of substantial unexplained wealth, including:
- 2 residential flats and 1 house site
- 22 cents of agricultural land
- Cash amounting to Rs 2.82 lakh
- 620 grams of gold ornaments and 500 grams of silver ornaments
- Promissory notes valued at Rs 3.54 lakh
- 16 wristwatches and 1 motorcycle
- Various other valuable household articles
Further Investigations and Financial Transactions Revealed
During the operations, investigators discovered a locker key belonging to the accused, indicating that additional searches are currently underway to uncover more hidden assets. The probe also revealed significant financial dealings by the accused.
He had paid Rs 15 lakh towards an HDFC Life Insurance policy and advanced Rs 20,000 for purchasing a Toyota Hirider motor car, transactions that further raised suspicions about the source of his funds.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The ACB has confirmed that the accused will be presented before the Nellore ACB trial court to face legal proceedings. This case highlights the bureau's commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability among public servants, particularly in departments handling natural resources like mines and geology.
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to examine all evidence to build a robust case against the official.
