ACB conducts surprise raid at Dundigal Municipal Commissioner’s office, flags irregularities

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted a surprise check at the office of the Municipal Commissioner in Dundigal, Gandimaisamma mandal in Medchal-Malkajgiri district on February 18 and revealed several irregularities in administrative and financial functioning.

According to ACB, the operation was carried out by the City Range-I unit based on reliable information. The team was assisted by officials from the audit and technical departments to verify administrative records, financial transactions, attendance records, legal records, pending applications, and the general operation of the municipal office.

During searches, authorities found evidence of bribery through WhatsApp chats involving a City Planning chief. ACB stated that unauthorized financial transactions were directed to a company owned by the chief’s wife. Bank statements of the relevant officials will be verified to examine the source of the loans and identify any links to the alleged irregularities.

ACB also found that a Deputy Municipal Commissioner and five outsourced staff were absent without permission. It was also found that attendance records of sanitary workers were manipulated by sanitary field assistants.

Further investigation revealed that 49 building permit applications were pending, including 12 applications that exceeded the prescribed 21-day time limit. In 28 of the 32 cases of unauthorized construction, a second warning was not given as required. The ACB also observed illegal clearance for additional floors where G+3 approvals were extended to G+5 unauthorized structures.

Authorities stated that office records, legal records, file notes, digital data and related documents seized during the search were examined. A detailed report will be submitted to the Government recommending that necessary measures be taken against those concerned.

ACB said the public can report cases of bribery by public officials by calling toll-free number 1064. Complaints can also be made through official social media platforms and the identities of complainants will be kept confidential.