ACB Nabs Two Officials in Vizianagaram District for Bribery Scandal
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested two officials from the Panchayat Raj Department in Vizianagaram district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh. The arrests were made in Mentada, following a detailed investigation into complaints of misconduct.
Details of the Arrested Officials
The individuals apprehended are Palli Gowtham, who served as the assistant executive engineer, and Pediredla Santhosh, a work inspector or technical assistant employed on an outsourcing basis. Both were stationed at the mandal engineering office (MEO) in Mentada, under the jurisdiction of the Panchayat Raj Department.
Background of the Case
The case originated from activities carried out by Regidi Rambabu, a resident of Mentada and the gram sarpanch of the village. According to ACB officials, Rambabu undertook several development projects using government funds:
- In November 2025, he constructed two community center buildings under the gram panchayat general funds, with a total allocation of Rs 2.2 lakh.
- In March 2026, he laid a cement concrete (CC) road in Mentada village, utilizing funds from the 15th Finance Commission, amounting to Rs 3 lakh.
Following the completion of these works, Palli Gowtham and Pediredla Santhosh conducted inspections of the newly constructed buildings and the CC road. During their assessment, they suggested certain patchworks, which Rambabu promptly completed to meet the required standards.
The Bribery Demand
After fulfilling the suggested improvements, Rambabu approached Palli Gowtham to request the release of the funds linked to the executed works. However, instead of processing the payment, Pediredla Santhosh allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh as a condition for the release of the amount. This demand was made under the pretext of facilitating the processing and approval of the funds.
ACB's Swift Action
Acting on a formal complaint filed by Rambabu, the ACB officials swiftly organized a trap operation. The operation was meticulously planned to catch the accused in the act. During the trap, Gowtham and Santhosh were apprehended red-handed while accepting the bribe of Rs 1.2 lakh from Rambabu. This decisive action underscores the ACB's commitment to rooting out corruption in government departments.
Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The arrests highlight ongoing issues of corruption within local government bodies, particularly in the handling of public funds for development projects. The ACB has emphasized that such actions will not be tolerated, and a thorough investigation is underway to uncover any further irregularities. This case serves as a stern warning to other officials who might engage in similar malpractices, reinforcing the importance of integrity in public service.
