Caught in the Act: Revenue Officer Takes ₹3 Lakh Bribe

Palnadu District was shaken on Saturday when the District Revenue Officer (DRO), Yeka Murali , was caught red-handed by anti-corruption (ACB) officials while accepting a bribe . The officer allegedly demanded ₹3 lakh from a complainant to approve catering bills . The operation, carried out during office hours , has sparked intense discussions among district officials .

According to case details, in 2023, during the then Chief Minister’s visit , the catering company Sagar Mata Catering Services supplied approximately 41,000 food packets . Out of the total bills amounting to ₹37 lakh , ₹10 lakh had already been paid. The complainant approached DRO Murali to release the remaining ₹26 lakh , but the officer allegedly demanded ₹3 lakh as a bribe in exchange for approval.

Unwilling to pay a bribe, the complainant lodged a complaint with the ACB . Acting swiftly, ACB officials meticulously planned a sting operation . On Saturday afternoon, in the collectorate office chamber , DRO Murali was caught accepting cash from the complainant. The team, led by Additional SP Mahindra Matte , seized the bribe and conducted chemical tests on the officer’s hands, confirming he had indeed received the money .

The operation, supervised by ACB DG Atul Singh , was declared successful by the officials. They confirmed that all evidence had been collected based on the complaint and a formal case has been registered against the officer for further investigation. The accused will be produced before the court shortly. Authorities also issued a stern warning , emphasizing that strict action will be taken against officials demanding bribes for government work.