Wed Jan 07 16:00:03 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Anti-Corruption Bureau Nets Three Panchayat Officials in Bribery Case

The Story:

On January 7, 2026, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested three Panchayat officials in Nandigama mandal, including Mandal Parishad Development Officer Ponna Sumathi, Mandal Panchayat Officer Vadthyavath Tej Singh, and Panchayat Secretary of Edulapally Panchayat Avula Chennaiah. The arrests stem from allegations that the officials demanded and accepted a bribe of ₹2.50 lakh from a complainant in exchange for processing house building permissions, despite the applicant having already paid the required official fees.

The ACB reported that a part payment of ₹1 lakh was accepted through Panchayat Secretary Chennaiah, while an earlier amount of ₹1.50 lakh had already been collected by the MPDO and MPO through the same intermediary. The bribe money was recovered from Chennaiah. All three accused were produced before a special court in Nampally. The complainant’s identity has been withheld for security.

Key Points:

  • Three Panchayat officials arrested by the ACB: Ponna Sumathi, Vadthyavath Tej Singh, and Avula Chennaiah.
  • Bribery amount totaled ₹2.50 lakh, demanded for processing house building permissions.
  • A part payment of ₹1 lakh was recovered from Avula Chennaiah.
  • The ACB has appealed to the public to report bribery, with assurance of confidentiality.
  • The incident occurred in Nandigama mandal, and the accused were produced in a special court in Nampally.

Key Takeaways:

  • Corruption remains a persistent issue at the local governance level in India.
  • The Anti-Corruption Bureau is actively pursuing bribery cases.
  • The ACB is trying to encourage public participation in reporting corruption.
  • House building permissions are an area prone to bribery and corruption, making it a target area for reform.
  • The anonymity afforded to complainants is crucial for encouraging reporting.

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