Andhra Pradesh ACB Nabs Deputy Tahsildar in Vijayawada Bribery Sting Operation
In a decisive crackdown on corruption, officials from the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in the Vijayawada Range apprehended Chintakayala Appa Rao, the Deputy Tahsildar and in-charge revenue inspector at the Office of the Tahsildar in Vijayawada North Mandal. The arrest occurred on Friday as he was allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹12,000, marking a significant victory in the state's ongoing efforts to combat graft in public services.
Complaint Triggers ACB Action Against Illegal Demand
The case originated from a formal complaint lodged by Uppada Sai, a resident of VAMBAY Colony in Vijayawada. According to ACB authorities, Sai's paternal grandmother owns a property in the colony, and to preempt any future disputes over inheritance, the family sought to obtain a family members' certificate. Sai's father, Uppada Ramu, submitted the application through a Mee Seva centre on January 29, 2026. Following a standard field enquiry, the Ward Revenue Secretary forwarded her report to the Tahsildar's office for further processing.
Despite the completion of all necessary checks, the certificate remained unissued, prompting the complainant to directly approach the Tahsildar's office upon the secretary's advice. It was during this visit that Uppada Sai encountered Deputy Tahsildar Appa Rao, who allegedly demanded ₹13,000 to expedite and issue the certificate. After negotiations, the amount was reportedly reduced to ₹12,000, but Sai, unwilling to succumb to the illegal demand, turned to the ACB for intervention.
ACB Lays Trap, Arrests Official Red-Handed
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the ACB devised a meticulous trap operation. On February 21, 2026, officials caught Appa Rao in the act of demanding and accepting the bribe money within his office premises. The arrest was executed immediately, and he was taken into custody without incident. Concurrently, ACB teams initiated comprehensive searches at both his residence and office locations to gather additional evidence and uncover any further misconduct.
The accused is currently being presented before the ACB Court in Vijayawada, where legal proceedings will determine the next steps in the case. This incident underscores the ACB's commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels of administration.
Background of the Accused Official
Chintakayala Appa Rao began his career in public service in 2003, when he was appointed as an Office Subordinate on compassionate grounds. Over the years, he climbed the ranks through dedication and service, eventually achieving the position of deputy tahsildar in 2022. Since 2024, he has been stationed at the Vijayawada North Mandal, where this alleged misconduct occurred. His arrest highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring integrity within bureaucratic systems, even among long-serving officials.
The ACB's proactive measures in this case serve as a stern warning to other public servants engaged in corrupt practices, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
