Telangana Cyber Crime Inspector Held in Anti-Corruption Sting Operation

Hyderabad's Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested a senior police officer attached to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau on charges of soliciting and receiving bribes from a complainant involved in a cyber fraud case.

The arrested officer is Bathula Mahendar, an Inspector of Police. The ACB has registered a case against him for criminal misconduct and corruption-related offences.

According to the investigation, Mahendar allegedly sought Rs. 9 lakh from the complainant, promising in return to shield the complainant's relatives and associates from being named as accused parties in the cyber fraud matter. The officer had previously extracted Rs. 5 lakh from the same individual as an initial payment.

On Friday, the officer allegedly demanded the outstanding amount of Rs. 4 lakh at his workplace, warning the complainant of consequences if the payment was not made. This demand triggered a formal complaint, prompting the ACB's Central Investigation Unit to execute an undercover operation that led to the officer's immediate arrest.

Following the apprehension, ACB personnel conducted a search of the officer's residence. The operation yielded Rs. 13 lakh in cash without clear documentation, precious metal ornaments, and various property-related documents. Investigators are now examining whether these assets represent ill-gotten wealth beyond what the officer's legitimate salary and known income sources would justify.

The accused is expected to be presented before the Special Court designated for ACB cases at Nampally for consideration of judicial custody. The investigation into the case remains active, with authorities pursuing additional leads. The complainant's identity has been kept confidential for protective purposes.