Despite warning from DGP, bribery continues in police ranks as ACB traps officers across Telangana

Despite warnings from the DGP, Telangana police continue to take bribes an and get caught in ACB raids

A series of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raids across Telangana has exposed continued instances of bribery among police personnel, despite a strong warning issued by Director General of Police B. Sivadhar Reddy urging the force to stay away from corruption.

In a letter written soon after assuming office in October last year, the DGP had cautioned that “the uniform and corruption cannot coexist”, stressing that all personnel, from Home Guards to IPS officers, must function with integrity, transparency and empathy towards the public. He also made it clear that police stations should not be used for civil settlements and warned of strict action against any misconduct.

However, recent ACB operations indicate that violations persist at multiple levels. At the RGI Airport Police Outpost in Shamshabad, Inspector Sampathi Kanakaiah and Sub-Inspector U.K. Siddheshwar were caught while accepting ₹2 lakh as part of a ₹5 lakh bribe to file a charge sheet and avoid arresting family members in a case. Searches at the Inspector’s residence led to the seizure of ₹33.97 lakh in cash, and he has been remanded to judicial custody.

In another case, two Armed Reserve Sub-Inspectors (SIs) Pramod Goud and Jatavath Babu Naik, posted at Malkajgiri Cyber Crime Police Station, were caught accepting ₹1 lakh to avoid arresting an accused in a cybercrime case.

The trend extends beyond Hyderabad. In Nirmal district, Mamada SI T. Ashok was trapped while accepting ₹20,000 to settle a complaint. Madhapur SI Gandra Vinay was arrested after demanding ₹50,000 to issue official notices. In Warangal, KUC SI P. Srikanth was apprehended while accepting ₹15,000 through a private driver to facilitate the release of seized vehicles.

Similarly, Mulugu SI Vijay Kumar was caught accepting ₹50,000, while Tekmal SI Rajesh in Medak district was trapped while taking ₹30,000 for issuing notices. In the latter case, the officer attempted to flee upon seeing ACB officials but was chased and apprehended.