Temple project engineer nabbed for bribe

The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday said that Voodepu Venkata Rama Rao, an executive engineer from the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadagirigutta, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district, was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹1.9 lakh.

According to the ACB, Rao, who also serves as the in-charge Superintending Engineer of the Endowments Department, was trapped in Medchal-Malkajgiri district on Wednesday. He had allegedly demanded the bribe from a contractor for clearing a bill worth ₹11.5 lakh (excluding GST) related to the installation of food machines at the temple.

Officials said the bribe money was recovered from Venkata Rama Rao’s possession. They stated that he had misused his official position by acting dishonestly and seeking illegal gratification in exchange for performing his duty.

Venkata Rama Rao was taken into custody, and the ACB said further investigation is underway to collect more evidence and identify any other persons involved.