Cybersecurity inspector in ACB net over Rs 9 lakh demand in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) sleuths have arrested a Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) inspector for allegedly demanding Rs 9 lakh bribe from the complainant and accepting Rs 5 lakh as part payment not to implicate the complainant’s family in a cybercrime case.

The accused, Bathula Mahendar, inspector, Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), Hyderabad, was caught by ACB's central investigation unit (CIU) team at his office in Nampally on Saturday.

According to ACB officials, the accused officer allegedly demanded Rs 9 lakh bribe from the complainant to avoid implicating his family members and friends in a cyber fraud case registered at TGCSB's Hyderabad police station. "The accused officer already accepted Rs 5 lakh in cash as part payment," an ACB officer said.

On Saturday, the accused again demanded the remaining amount, Rs 4 lakh, and threatened the complainant. Following the threat, the ACB team arrested the accused from his office.

Searches at the inspector's house in the city led to the seizure of Rs 13 lakh unaccounted cash, gold ornaments and some property documents. "Further verification of the inspector's assets is under progress," ACB said in an official statement.

The accused officer was arrested and he would be produced before the additional special judge for SPE and ACB cases, Nampally, for judicial remand. As the case was under investigation, ACB has withheld the complainant's details for security reasons.

ACB requested the public to report bribery demands by public servants through its toll-free number ‘1064’. The bureau can also be contacted via WhatsApp (9440446106), Facebook (Telangana ACB), and X (@Telangana ACB). It stated that name and details of the victim/complainant would remain confidential.