Unusual Anti-Graft Protest in Hanamkonda Says Beggars Better Than Corrupt Officials

WARANGAL: An anti-corruption movement is gaining momentum in Hanamkonda district, with members of various people’s organisations launching protests, rallies and signature campaigns demanding clean governance. Hanamkonda district collector Sneha Shabarish joined the movement, leading a mass anti-bribery pledge and warning officials that corruption would invite stringent action.

Public anger intensified following the arrest of additional collector A. Venkat Reddy, who was caught red-handed by the ACB weeks ago while allegedly accepting a Rs 60,000 bribe for a school renewal. In follow-up action this Wednesday, ACB teams conducted simultaneous raids at 10 locations, seizing assets worth about Rs 7 crore from his residence and those of his relatives. The crackdown has also extended to the police department. A day earlier, P. Srikanth, a sub-inspector attached to the Kakatiya University Police Station, was arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 15,000 bribe to release seized vehicles and mobile phones linked to a case.

The movement was spearheaded by the Jwala Anti-Corruption Organisation and the Lok Satta movement. Activists organised a ‘Beggar’s Rally’ from the Thousand Pillar Temple to Ambedkar Circle. Protesters carried placards reading “Beggars are better than corrupt officials,” seeking to publicly shame those who demand bribes despite drawing government salaries.

To channel public anger into formal commitment, a large-scale signature campaign was launched at the Hanamkonda Collectorate under the slogan, “I will not indulge in, encourage or tolerate corruption.” Jwala founder Sunkari Prashanth described corruption as the biggest obstacle to development and said public awareness campaigns would continue until the menace is eliminated.

Collector Sneha Shabarish became the first official to sign the anti-corruption pledge banner. Announcing concrete measures, she said CCTV cameras would be installed across government offices to monitor public dealings. Addressing staff, she cautioned that government salaries were sufficient for a dignified life and that greed-driven extortion would be dealt with firmly under the law.

The twin pressure of public protest and ACB action has reportedly sent shockwaves through the local bureaucracy, with several officials and private intermediaries said to be considering voluntary retirement to avoid scrutiny of illegal assets.

ACB officials have urged citizens to report any demand for bribes. Complaints can be lodged via the toll-free number 1064, WhatsApp at 9440446106, or through the ACB’s official website and Facebook page.