Anti-Corruption Bureau Files Case Against SCCL Official in Hyderabad
In a significant development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Hyderabad has officially registered a criminal misconduct case against an official from the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). The case centers on allegations that the official collected money from employees by promising assistance in internal recruitment processes, with transactions reportedly conducted through the digital payment platform PhonePe.
Details of the Case and Accused Official
The case has been filed against Lavudiya Amar Chand, who holds the position of AFM (Mechanical) at ALP Mine, RG-III Area within SCCL. The charges have been brought under Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, following a formal complaint received by the authorities.
Origin of the Complaint and Initial Allegations
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the ACB received a petition from the office of the director-general on July 17, 2025. This petition referred to a complaint that had been submitted via email, purportedly from an individual described as a general mazdoor working at MNG OC in the Manuguru area of Bhadradri Kothagudem district. The complaint highlighted large-scale irregularities in SCCL's internal recruitment procedures and specifically accused Amar Chand of accepting bribes to influence selection outcomes.
Statement from the Complainant and Specific Allegations
The FIR includes a detailed statement from D Vinay, an assistant foreman trainee at Kondapuram UG Mine, SCCL. Vinay, who was appointed to SCCL on compassionate grounds in 2012 following his father's death, revealed that Amar Chand was his diploma classmate. He alleged that before the AFM (Mechanical) examination held on September 1, 2024, Amar Chand demanded 5 lakh rupees, later negotiating down to 4 lakh rupees, claiming he could secure Vinay's selection through his "channel."
Vinay stated that he paid the 4 lakh rupees in instalments via PhonePe between August 31, 2024, and September 13, 2024. He further mentioned that the examination itself was straightforward and that he cleared it based on his own merit. However, when he later sought a refund of the money, Amar Chand refused, insisting that Vinay's selection was a result of his influence.
Evidence Collected During the Investigation
The ACB has reported that during their regular inquiry, they gathered substantial evidence to support the allegations. This evidence includes:
- Bank statements related to the transactions
- Detailed PhonePe transaction records and screenshots
- WhatsApp chat screenshots that may corroborate the claims
- Formal statements from both Vinay and Amar Chand
This case underscores ongoing concerns about corruption within public sector recruitment processes and highlights the increasing use of digital payment methods in such illicit activities. The ACB's actions reflect a continued effort to combat corruption and ensure transparency in employment procedures within government-linked organizations.
