Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabs Agriculture Official in Major Assets Case
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Telangana has arrested Sundari Kiran Kumar, an assistant director of agriculture serving in Nagarkurnool district. The arrest follows the discovery of disproportionate assets valued at approximately 40 crore rupees allegedly linked to the official.
Widespread Searches Across Multiple Districts
ACB teams executed simultaneous raids at eight different locations as part of their investigation. The searches targeted Kumar's residence in Ponugodu village within Suryapet district, along with seven other properties connected to his relatives and associates. These additional premises were situated in Hyderabad and the former districts of Nalgonda and Mahabubnagar.
Kumar, who is 51 years old, began his government career in 2005 as a mandal agriculture officer. He was currently holding the position of assistant director of agriculture for the Kalwakurthy division in Nagarkurnool at the time of his arrest.
Substantial Assets Uncovered During Investigation
The assets unearthed during the extensive searches are both diverse and substantial. They include 97 acres and three guntas of agricultural land spread across Mahabubnagar, Mahabubabad, Nalgonda, and Suryapet districts. Additionally, investigators found three plots in Hyderabad and Suryapet, two flats located in Kondapur and LB Nagar, an independent house in Ponugodu, and five vehicles, among which is an SUV.
Evidence related to insurance policies worth 5.5 lakh rupees and investments totaling 50 lakh rupees belonging to Kumar and his family members was also seized. According to an official ACB statement, the documentary value of these assets is estimated at 4 crore rupees, but their market value is believed to be ten times higher, reaching around 40 crore rupees.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Scrutiny
A formal case has been registered against Kumar under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The official was present during the searches at his Ponugodu residence, which continued late into the evening. Following the operation, he was arrested and is scheduled to be presented before the Nampally ACB court magistrate for judicial remand.
ACB officials have indicated that further scrutiny is currently underway. This includes efforts to trace additional assets, verify financial records, and compute the precise extent of the alleged illegitimate enrichment. The bureau has reiterated its appeal to the public to report any demands for bribes by utilizing its toll-free helpline '1064', sending a WhatsApp message to 94404-46106, or reaching out through Facebook and X platforms. Officials have assured that the identities of complainants will be kept confidential.
