Anti-Corruption Bureau Intensifies Statewide Crackdown on Graft in Andhra Pradesh
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Andhra Pradesh has significantly escalated its efforts to combat corruption with multiple cases registered across the state on Friday. This intensified crackdown specifically targets malpractices within the judicial department, revenue offices, and sub-registrar offices, reflecting a broader initiative to cleanse public administration.
Judicial Department Employees and Associates Booked Under Corruption Act
In a significant development, the ACB has booked three judicial department employees along with two private individuals under the stringent Prevention of Corruption Act (1988, amended 2018) and relevant BNSS sections. The accused individuals include G Vijaya Lakshmi, who serves as the court master at the AP Judicial Academy in Mangalagiri; her husband Garikaparthi Ravi Sankar; their relative Kolli Sridhar Reddy; and assistant section officers G Prashanth Chowdary and Y Venkata Siva from the AP High Court.
Simultaneous searches were conducted across five locations in Guntur, NTR, and Krishna districts, leading to the seizure of incriminating evidence. This investigation was initiated following a detailed report forwarded by the AP High Court, which uncovered prima facie evidence of corrupt practices, prompting immediate action by the ACB.
Revenue Official Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe in Machilipatnam
In a separate incident, ACB officials apprehended Village Survey Assistant Sunkara Rajesh while he was demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹14,000 at the Pedayadara revenue secretariat in Machilipatnam, located in Krishna district. Rajesh allegedly solicited the bribe in exchange for issuing survey certificates for agricultural lands in Vadapalem village.
Following his arrest, Rajesh was produced before the ACB special court in Vijayawada. Searches are currently underway at his premises to gather further evidence and uncover any additional illicit activities linked to this case.
Sub-Registrar Office Under Scrutiny for Irregular Document Registrations
Meanwhile, the ACB continued its inspections for the second consecutive day at the Kadiyam sub-registrar office (SRO). During the checks, officials discovered that 911 documents registered in 2025 lacked proper supporting papers. Additionally, it was noted that 107 out of 144 documents registered on January 28–29 had not been delivered to the concerned parties, raising serious concerns about procedural lapses.
On Thursday, the ACB seized ₹79,000 in cash from the drawer of SRO Eppili Lakshmi, who is also under investigation for irregular registrations. Lakshmi, who was promoted to SRO Grade-I in 2024, has previously served at various locations including Kakinada, Prathipadu, Amalapuram, and Peddapuram before her posting to Kadiyam.
The ACB's multi-pronged approach underscores a determined effort to root out corruption from key administrative sectors in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to restore public trust and ensure transparency in governance.
