According to preliminary information, the operation took place under the supervision of ACB Deputy Superintendent of Police Y. Ramesh, who led the carefully planned raid. Officials confirmed that the accused were apprehended while allegedly accepting a substantial bribe amount linked to the clearance of plantation-related bills. The case has quickly become a topic of public debate in Kothagudem and the surrounding regions.
Allegations Against Senior Forest Officials
The Kothagudem ACB raid reportedly involved the Forest Divisional Manager and the Plantation Manager, both holding influential positions within the department. Investigators revealed that the plantation manager, identified as Tadi Rajender, who also served as a forest range officer, along with divisional manager Tati Sravani, allegedly demanded illegal payments from a contractor.
Sources indicate that the bribe demand was connected to the processing and approval of bills related to Jamail wood-cutting operations. These payments were required for clearing invoices associated with timber extraction carried out under government-approved contracts. The allegations suggest that, despite fixed government rates, officials demanded additional money for every tonne processed.
Bribe Demand Linked to Timber Bills
As per details emerging from the Kothagudem ACB raid, the contractor had undertaken cutting operations amounting to approximately 32,000 tonnes. While the government-approved rate stood at ₹750 per tonne, officials allegedly demanded an extra ₹150 per tonne as a bribe. After negotiations, the amount was reportedly reduced to ₹90 per tonne, indicating a deliberate and systematic demand rather than an isolated incident.
During the first phase of operations, the contractor completed cutting nearly 3,900 tonnes. For clearing the bills related to this unit, the officials allegedly insisted on a bribe of ₹3.51 lakh. Investigators state that this amount was being accepted when ACB officials intervened and caught the accused red-handed.
Trap Laid by Anti-Corruption Bureau
The Kothagudem ACB raid was executed following a complaint lodged by the contractor, who reportedly approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau after repeated demands for illegal payments. Acting on the information, ACB officers verified the complaint and organized a trap to catch the officials during the transaction.
On the day of the raid, the accused were allegedly found accepting the bribe amount, leading to their immediate detention. Officials confirmed that chemical tests conducted during the operation supported the allegation of bribe acceptance. The swift action by the ACB has been widely praised as an example of effective enforcement against corruption.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Following the Kothagudem ACB raid, the detained officials were taken into custody for further questioning. Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Senior ACB officials stated that a detailed investigation is underway to determine whether similar practices were carried out in other contracts or divisions.
Investigators are also examining official records, financial documents, and previous bill clearances to identify any irregularities. The seized cash and related evidence have been documented, and further arrests cannot be ruled out depending on the findings of the probe.
Public Reaction and Administrative Impact
The Kothagudem ACB raid has sparked strong reactions among the public, particularly among contractors and workers associated with forest and plantation activities. Many have expressed concerns over the alleged misuse of authority by officials entrusted with safeguarding natural resources.
Administrative circles have also taken note of the incident, with senior officials expected to review internal procedures and monitoring mechanisms. The case has renewed calls for stricter oversight, digital transparency in bill processing, and regular audits to prevent corruption within government departments.
Broader Implications for Governance
Incidents like the Kothagudem ACB raid highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring ethical governance at the grassroots level. Experts believe that corruption in resource-based departments not only affects contractors but also leads to revenue loss for the state and undermines public trust.
Anti-corruption officials emphasized that such raids are part of a broader strategy to deter illegal practices and encourage whistleblowers to come forward. They reiterated that citizens should not hesitate to report bribery demands, assuring confidentiality and protection for complainants.
More Details Awaited
While the Kothagudem ACB raid has already revealed significant information, authorities have clarified that the investigation is still in progress. Additional details regarding the extent of the alleged corruption, involvement of other officials, and final legal outcomes are expected to emerge in the coming days.
The case stands as a reminder that accountability mechanisms remain active and that misuse of power can attract serious consequences. Further updates are anticipated as the Anti-Corruption Bureau continues its inquiry into the matter.
