Vijayawada: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials caught two govt officials red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000.
According to ACB officials, Challa Srinivasa Rao retired in July 2024 and was awaiting his pension, paid leave amount, half-pay leave amount, and other benefits from the govt. However, Kethavat Lakshmi, mandal education officer (MEO-1) of Chilakaluripeta, was responsible for processing his file. Instead of clearing his dues, she allegedly delayed the process, stating that the pension must be credited first before other benefits could be processed.
From then on, Rao made several visits to her office, but each time, she postponed the matter. On Feb 5, she directed him to meet Majeti Venkata Srinivasa Rao, a junior assistant at the school where he worked. When Rao approached the junior assistant, he was informed that the MEO was expecting a bribe of Rs 30,000 to process his file.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, Rao lodged a complaint with the ACB, following which officials set up a trap. During the operation, the ACB caught both the MEO and the junior assistant red-handed while accepting the bribe. The accused officials were immediately arrested and produced before the court.
The ACB has urged govt employees and pensioners to come forward and report any instances of bribery to ensure transparency and accountability in govt departments.
