ACB turns focus to TG secretariat

The agency is also said to be examining the backgrounds of officials who have previously faced ACB cases and those involved in major projects, tenders, financial approvals, land matters and other important government decisions. 

metro india news I hyderabad

The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is reportedly turning its attention to the state Secretariat amid an intensified crackdown on corruption and alleged accumulation of disproportionate assets across the state. Reports that the agency is gathering information on certain senior officials have created unease among sections of the administrative establishment. According to reports circulating in official circles, the ACB is collecting preliminary information about officials in key departments, particularly Finance and Municipal Administration.

The agency is also said to be examining the backgrounds of officials who have previously faced ACB cases and those involved in major projects, tenders, financial approvals, land matters and other important government decisions. The information being gathered is said to include properties held by the officials and their family members, including land, houses, commercial establishments and other investments, as well as their previous postings and financial dealings.

In 2025, the agency registered 199 cases and arrested 273 people, including 157 trap cases and 15 disproportionate-assets cases. According to ACB figures cited in the report, assets worth more than Rs 96 crore were identified in disproportionate-assets cases during that year. The agency's activity reportedly increased further in 2026. Between April and June, 67 cases were registered, including 34 trap cases, 10 disproportionate-assets cases and 23 surprise checks. By July 10, the ACB had reportedly registered 14 disproportionate-assets cases and 86 trap cases during the year.

Several senior officials, engineers, deputy collectors, tahsildars, police personnel and sub-registrars have reportedly figured in recent cases, adding significance to speculation about increased scrutiny at the Secretariat level. Reports also suggest that the ACB's focus on Secretariat officials has received approval from the Chief Secretary. Departments such as Revenue, Irrigation, Municipal Administration, Urban Development and Land and Records have reportedly attracted particular attention because of their involvement in projects, land transactions, permissions and financial decisions.

The Secretariat has faced ACB scrutiny in the past as well, including reported operations during the undivided Andhra Pradesh period and subsequent years. The latest developments have therefore triggered speculation over whether the current exercise will remain limited to information gathering or eventually lead to searches and formal cases. For now, there has been no official confirmation of any imminent raids against specific Secretariat officials. The extent and outcome of the reported ACB scrutiny are expected to become clearer as the agency's investigation progresses.