In a bold move to clean up the state’s public service sector, the Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has made waves in 2025 by arresting 125 public officials for corruption in just the first six months of the year. This major push follows 80+ trap cases that unearthed ₹24.6 lakh in bribes, signaling a renewed political and administrative will to tackle systemic corruption.
A Breakdown of the Crackdown:
- Total arrests (Jan–June 2025): 125
- Trap cases registered: Over 80
- Cash seized from bribe incidents: ₹24.6 lakh
- Departments involved: Revenue, Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj, Education, and Health
- Most targeted role: Village Revenue Officers (VROs), Junior Assistants, and Municipal Engineers
These developments come amid increasing public dissatisfaction over bribe culture in basic services like land registration, pension approvals, and sanitation contracts.
Government Response & Public Reaction
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, directing the ACB to expedite digital surveillance and anonymous tip-off systems. Citizens can now report corruption via the ACB’s toll-free number and online portal, which has seen a 25% spike in complaints compared to last year.
👥 Public sentiment appears cautiously optimistic:
“This is the first time I feel the government is seriously acting on our complaints. But we want convictions, not just arrests.” – Suresh, Nalgonda-based activist
What’s Next?
- ACB expansion: Plans are underway to strengthen ACB branches in rural Telangana.
- Judicial follow-ups: Fast-track courts may be proposed to avoid delay in convictions.
- Systemic reform: Government is considering mandatory CCTV in all revenue offices, online-only approvals, and regular lifestyle audits for officials.
Why This Matters
Corruption in public offices doesn’t just cost money—it erodes trust, widens inequality, and slows development. Telangana’s mid-2025 crackdown is a critical step in restoring accountability and boosting citizen confidence in governance.
🧠 If sustained, this drive could mark a turning point in Telangana’s administrative culture.
SOURCE: NDTV
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