AP ACB Arrests Endowments Official in Major Disproportionate Assets Case
In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested Kalingiri Santhi, an assistant commissioner in the endowments department, on charges of amassing disproportionate assets. The arrest follows a thorough investigation based on credible intelligence regarding assets exceeding her known sources of income.
Raids and Seizures Uncover Substantial Wealth
As part of the probe, ACB officials conducted simultaneous searches on April 7 at four locations in Tadepalli and Undavalli villages, including the accused's residence. During these raids, authorities seized numerous incriminating documents and uncovered a trove of assets, highlighting the scale of the alleged corruption.
The seized and identified assets include:
- A residential flat located in Yendada, Visakhapatnam
- A G+2 building in Kunchanapalli near Tadepalli
- Approximately 770 grams of gold ornaments
- Nearly 3 kilograms of silver articles
- Cash amounting to Rs 1.15 lakh
- Bank deposits of around Rs 3 lakh
- A Volkswagen Polo car and a motorcycle
- Various electronic gadgets and valuable household items
ACB officials have stated that further searches are ongoing to determine the full extent of the assets involved, indicating that the investigation may reveal more details in the coming days.
Legal Proceedings and Background of the Accused
Following the raids and evidence collection, Kalingiri Santhi was taken into custody in accordance with due procedure. She is being produced before the Special Court for ACB cases in Vijayawada, where legal proceedings will continue.
Santhi was appointed as assistant commissioner of endowments through the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission in 2020. During her tenure, she served in key locations such as Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. Notably, she was under suspension from July 2024 to March 2026 and was awaiting a new posting at the time of her arrest, adding a layer of context to the case.
The ACB has registered the case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. Officials emphasize that the investigation remains active, with more information expected to emerge as it progresses.
