Telangana ACB Nabs School Official Over Rs 20,000 Bribery Demand

The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau conducted a successful sting operation on Sunday, apprehending a school official on charges of extorting Rs 20,000 from a member of the public in Hyderabad.

The arrested individual, identified as S. Shivanand, worked as a Record Assistant in the office of the Deputy Inspector of Schools at Government High School in Ameerpet Mandal. According to ACB officials, Shivanand had demanded the payment from a complainant under the pretext of facilitating the processing and filing of pension benefits.

Specifically, the official allegedly sought the money to help process retirement benefit settlements related to the complainant's mother through the appropriate administrative channels. The ACB's City Range-II unit intercepted Shivanand at approximately 2 pm on Sunday, catching him in the act of receiving the illicit payment.

During the operation, investigators recovered the full amount of Rs 20,000 from the accused. The ACB has alleged that Shivanand exploited his official position dishonestly and unlawfully to obtain personal advantage.

Following his arrest, Shivanand was produced before the Principal Special Judge for SPE and ACB cases at Nampally for judicial remand. The complainant's identity has been withheld by authorities for protective reasons.

The investigation into the matter remains active, with officials continuing their inquiry. The ACB has also used the occasion to remind citizens that they can lodge complaints regarding bribery and corruption through its dedicated toll-free helpline 1064 as well as its official social media channels.