Forest Beat Officer Arrested for Soliciting Rs 10,000 Bribe in Telangana

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a Forest Beat Officer from Bhadradri Kothagudem district in connection with a bribery case. Banoth Naresh, stationed at Nadimigudem and holding additional charge of Sayanapalli in Gundala Forest Range, was caught red-handed accepting Rs 10,000 at his Gundala office on Thursday.

According to investigators, Naresh had demanded the payment from a complainant to avoid obstructing farming activities on five acres of government-allocated patta podu land. The land, originally assigned to the complainant's father, is situated in Venkatapuram revenue village.

ACB operatives conducted a sting operation and apprehended the officer during the bribe transaction. The full amount of Rs 10,000 was recovered and seized immediately following his arrest.

The investigation team determined that the officer had misused his official position to solicit undue personal benefits. Following the apprehension, authorities presented him before the Special Court for SPE and ACB cases-cum-III Additional District and Sessions Judge in Warangal. The probe into the matter continues.

The ACB has appealed to the general public to come forward with information regarding any demands for bribes by government employees. Citizens can lodge complaints through a dedicated toll-free helpline at 1064, as well as via WhatsApp and the bureau's official social media channels. The agency has assured that all complainant identities will remain protected throughout the investigation process.