HYDERABAD: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday registered a disproportionate assets case against a chief engineer of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).ACB has unearthed assets worth over Rs 9.24 crore during searches conducted at his residence and premises linked to his relatives and associates, news agency PTI reported.The accused officer, B Ravinder, was arrested and will be produced before a city court for judicial remand, ACB sources said.A case of disproportionate assets to the known sources of income was registered against Ravinder on allegations that he amassed assets through corrupt practices and dubious means during his service, officials informed.As the offence is punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), the ACB carried out searches on Tuesday at Ravinder’s residence, office and nine other locations linked to his relatives, associates and alleged “benamidars”.During the searches, officials recovered documents relating to five open plots, four residential flats, four acres of agricultural land, a semi-furnished residential villa and a Ground plus Four (G+4) building.The ACB said the market value of these properties is likely to be significantly higher than their official valuation, PTI reported.The searches also led to the seizure of Rs 3.82 lakh in cash, bank deposits worth around Rs 45 lakh, gold ornaments weighing about 1,440 grams, approximately 12.5 kg of silver ornaments, household articles, electronic gadgets and four vehicles.According to the ACB, the total value of the assets identified so far is estimated at around Rs 9.24 crore.Further verification to ascertain additional assets is underway, and the investigation is continuing, officials said.(With agency inputs)
