ACB seizes unaccounted cash in surprise raid on transport officials

Metro India News | KAVALI

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has seized Rs.2.48 lakh in unaccounted cash during surprise checks at a toll plaza near Kavali in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district, following allegations that Transport Department officials were collecting illegal payments from motorists. The checks were conducted during the intervening night of September 5 and 6 at the Musunuru Toll Plaza on National Highway-16, based on information received by the ACB that transport officials were allegedly collecting bribes from vehicle operators.

During the operation, ACB officials allegedly found Banavath Gopi Naik, a Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) working in the district enforcement wing, receiving illegal payments with the assistance of two home guards and a private driver. Gopi Naik was taken into custody for further investigation. The ACB team found Rs.68,800 lying by the roadside during the checks. Officials subsequently searched the Kia Seltos in which the MVI was travelling and allegedly found another Rs.1.80 lakh concealed in the vehicle’s boot.

As the total amount of Rs.2,48,800 was not supported by any accounts or documentation, the ACB seized the cash on suspicion that it was linked to alleged illegal collections. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway. The incident comes amid recurring allegations of corruption against officials of the Transport Department in different parts of the State.

In March this year, the ACB had also registered a case against Lokanadha Prasad, an Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector in Machilipatnam, over allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. The ACB has appealed to the public to report instances of corruption or bribery in government departments. Complaints can be lodged through the toll-free number 1064 or mobile number 94404 40057, with the agency assuring complainants that their identities would be kept confidential.