ACB raids tainted DC’s properties, uncovers assets worth Rs 8.3 crore

The ACB conducted raids at multiple locations linked to suspended Hanumakonda Deputy Collector Venkat Reddy, allegedly uncovering disproportionate assets worth Rs 8.30 crore. Cash and property documents were seized as part of an ongoing investigation.

Hyderabad: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday conducted simultaneous searches at the residence of Hanumakonda Deputy Collector Venkat Reddy and houses of his relatives, reportedly uncovering large-scale disproportionate assets worth crores.

Venkat Reddy was earlier caught by the ACB on December 6 while allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 1 lakh for extending permission to a school during his tenure as in-charge District Education Officer (DEO), following which the State government had placed him under suspension.

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Based on further investigation, the ACB launched raids at multiple locations, including Rock Town Colony in Hyderabad. Around Rs 30 lakh in cash and other material were seized during the searches. The ACB conducted simultaneous searches at eight locations across the State with eight special teams.

It is alleged that Venkat Reddy has been in possession of illegal assets since 2008. He was also allegedly involved in irregularities during 2016 and 2017 in the National Highway scheme, where compensation meant for farmers was misappropriated.

So far, assets worth approximately Rs 8.30 crore have been identified. These include a villa in Manchirevula valued at around Rs 6 crore, a farmhouse in Bhongir, and a house in Saroornagar.