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, Medchal–Malkajgiri district, on February 18, and unearthed several irregularities in administrative and financial functioning.

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

During the searches, officials found evidence of bribery through WhatsApp chats involving a Town Planning supervisor. The ACB stated that unauthorised financial transactions were routed to a firm belonging to the supervisor’s husband. Bank statements of the concerned officials are to be verified to examine the source of credits and ascertain any link to the alleged irregularities.

The ACB also found that one Assistant Municipal Commissioner and five outsourced staff members were absent without authorisation. Manipulation of attendance records of sanitary workers by sanitary field assistants was also detected.

Further scrutiny revealed that 49 building permission applications were pending, including 12 that had exceeded the stipulated 21-day time limit. In 28 out of 32 unauthorised construction cases, second notices had not been issued as required. The ACB also observed illegal grants of permission for additional floors, where G+3 approvals were extended to G+5 unauthorised structures.

Officials stated that office records, statutory registers, file notings, digital data and related documents seized during the search are being examined. A detailed report will be submitted to the Government recommending necessary action against those concerned.

The ACB said that public can report instances of bribery by public servants by calling the toll-free number 1064. Complaints can also be made through its official social media platforms, and the identity of complainants will be kept confidential.