Anti Corruption Bureau Nabs Palnadu DRO in Vijayawada Bribery Sting Operation
In a significant crackdown on corruption in government offices, sleuths from the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) Guntur range conducted a dramatic raid at the Palnadu collectorate in Vijayawada on Friday. The operation resulted in the apprehension of Palnadu District Revenue Officer (DRO) E Murali, who was caught red-handed while accepting a substantial bribe amount of Rs 3 lakh.
Details of the Bribery Demand and Complaint
According to Guntur ACB Assistant Superintendent of Police Mahesh Mathe, who provided details to media sources, the accused DRO had allegedly demanded the Rs 3 lakh bribe to facilitate the release of a payment cheque worth approximately Rs 26 lakh. This payment was intended for Sagaramatha Catering Services, a company that had supplied 41,500 food parcels during a public meeting organized by the former Chief Minister in 2023.
The management of the catering services found themselves in a difficult position, unable to comply with the official's bribery demand. Frustrated by the corrupt practice, they took decisive action by lodging a formal complaint with the Guntur ACB on January 21. The police promptly registered a case based on their complaint, setting the stage for a carefully planned operation.
Execution of the ACB Trap and Arrest
Following the instructions of ACB Director General Atul Singh, the ACB team meticulously planned and executed a trap operation. The officials laid a strategic trap, raided the collectorate premises, and successfully caught DRO E Murali in the act of accepting the bribe money. The operation was conducted with precision, ensuring that the evidence was captured effectively.
Subsequent to his apprehension at the scene, the accused official was formally arrested in connection with the case. This arrest marks another significant achievement for the Anti Corruption Bureau in their ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government departments and ensure transparency in administrative processes.
The incident highlights the persistent challenges of corruption in bureaucratic systems and demonstrates the vigilance of anti-corruption agencies in addressing such malpractices. This case serves as a stern warning to officials engaged in corrupt activities while reinforcing public confidence in institutional mechanisms designed to uphold integrity in governance.
