1. ACB has seized assets worth Rs 7.69 crore from Venkata Reddy and his relatives
2. Officials estimate that the open market value of these assets could exceed Rs 100 cr

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday conducted fresh searches in Rangareddy and Nalgonda districts in connection with the disproportionate assets case against former Additional Collector A. Venkata Reddy, triggering fresh political and administrative buzz. The raids come days after Venkata Reddy and two others were arrested and remanded to Khammam jail, indicating that the probe is still expanding.

According to ACB sources, the latest searches were carried out based on fresh inputs gathered during the investigation into alleged large-scale irregularities in the Civil Supplies Department. Investigators believe a lower-level employee who earlier worked closely with Venkata Reddy has turned approver and provided crucial information that led to the identification of additional assets. It is learnt that the employee was brought by Venkata Reddy to Hanumakonda from an earlier posting and was later transferred after the ACB case surfaced.

Venkata Reddy, who served in the Revenue Department in various capacities, is accused of misuse of authority, particularly during his tenure as Additional Collector in the Civil Supplies wing. Similar allegations had emerged during his earlier postings as Jangaon RDO and as Additional Collector in Suryapet, especially in land acquisition-related matters.

Complaints were raised over alleged irregularities in land acquisition for the Bhongir–Warangal National Highway (NH-563). After taking charge in Hanumakonda, Venkata Reddy allegedly allotted paddy worth nearly Rs 16 crore to a rice mill owner from Hasanparthy, who operates two mills in Kamalapur mandal. The allotment reportedly became a major point of discussion among millers. There are also allegations that large sums of money exchanged hands during the issuance of Custom Milling Rice (CMR) approvals to several beneficiaries.

ACB officials suspect irregularities in compensation payments linked to land acquisition projects as well. As part of the ongoing probe, officials are also verifying information about a real estate venture allegedly run in benami names in the Nellutla area of Jangaon district.

So far, the ACB has seized assets worth Rs 7.69 crore in registered value from Venkata Reddy and his relatives, including movable and immovable properties. Officials estimate that the open market value of these assets could exceed Rs 100 crore. The seized properties include a villa and a flat valued at Rs 4.65 crore, a commercial shop worth Rs 60 lakh, eight residential plots valued at Rs 65 lakh, and 14.25 acres of agricultural land valued at Rs 50 lakh. Additional seizures include Rs 30 lakh in cash, bank balances of Rs 44.03 lakh, household articles worth Rs 11 lakh, four cars valued at Rs 40 lakh, and 297 grams of gold.