ACB Probes Stalled By Delays, Evasion

Hyderabad:The Anti-Corruption Bureau’s (ACB) probe into several high-profile cases has hit a roadblock, with investigation officers reportedly delaying progress under the pretext of collecting evidence. Sources said investigation officers were also instructed not to share updates with the media, citing a lack of significant breakthroughs. The ACB clarified that only official updates—not details of ongoing probes—would be released to the press.

The ACB is investigating former HMDA director S. Bala Krishna for allegedly amassing assets worth over `100 crore. These include cash, gold and movable and immovable properties. Officials have verified the seized properties in coordination with the stamps and registration department to determine their value.

In a significant twist, senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar’s name has surfaced in the same case, but the ACB has not summoned him for questioning. The ACB questioned the accused officer and his family members and washed their hands by putting the case aside.

Similarly, in the sheep scam case, where the alleged misuse of `700 crore was flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the ACB is yet to arrest key accused Moinuddin and his son, who reportedly fled abroad shortly before the case was registered. The accused, in collusion with animal husbandry officials—including the then minister’s OSD—allegedly submitted fake bills for sheep procurement from Andhra Pradesh and other states without making any actual purchases. The funds were meant for distribution to farmers in Telangana.

The ACB found that the accused diverted at least `700 crore during the BRS regime. Recent raids on Moinuddin’s residence in Kokapet revealed that large amounts had been transferred to his wife’s account.

In another sensational case, the ACB is probing irregularities in the Formula E racing event, in which former minister and BRS MLA K.T. Rama Rao, IAS officer Arvind Kumar and former HMDA official B.L.N. Reddy are accused. Investigators reportedly gathered documents indicating procedural violations, including a lack of approvals from the Cabinet, HMDA and the finance department before sanctioning funds to Formula E Racing Operations Limited.

According to sources, the investigation officer obtained records from the Indian Overseas Bank branch in Himayatnagar, which show that HMDA officials transferred `54 crore to the racing firm in a phased manner. Statements recorded during the questioning of accused officials corroborated these findings.

Given the seriousness of the case, the ACB is seeking legal opinion before proceeding further. The agency has already questioned K.T. Rama Rao, Arvind Kumar and B.L.N. Reddy, and recorded statements from HMDA employees. Both Arvind Kumar and Reddy reportedly stated they acted on directions when authorising the fund transfers.

Box: Timeline

Box 1: HMDA former director S. Bala Krishna's Case

2024

Jan. 25: ACB registered a case against former HMDA director S. Bala Krishna and conducted searches at his residence, seizing large quantities of cash and gold.

Jan. 26: ACB arrested him on charges of amassing illegal assets.

Jan. 27: ACB filed a petition seeking custody of the accused and questioned him as per court directions.

April 4: Court granted bail to Bala Krishna in the case.

Box 2: Formula E Racing Case

2024

Oct. 18: MAUD Principal Secretary Dana Kishore lodged a formal complaint with the ACB regarding Formula E Racing fund irregularities.

Dec. 16: The Government received the Governor’s consent to proceed with the investigation.

Dec. 19: ACB registered cases against BRS MLA K.T. Rama Rao, IAS officer Arvind Kumar and former HMDA officer B.L.N. Reddy.

2024

Jan. 8: IAS officer Arvind Kumar appeared before the ACB, which recorded his statement.

Jan. 9: BRS MLA K.T. Rama Rao appeared for questioning before the agency.

Jan. 10: Former HMDA employee B.L.N. Reddy was questioned by ACB officials.

Feb. 17: ACB questioned Formula E Racing Limited’s management via video conference.

Box 3: Sheep Purchase Case

2023

Dec. 26: A complaint was filed against contractor Moinuddin, his son Ikram, and two animal husbandry assistant directors, Ravi Kumar and Keshav Sai, for alleged misuse of funds meant for Telangana's Sheep Distribution Scheme.

2024

January: Congress government transferred the case to the ACB, which formally registered it and began the investigation.

February: ACB conducted searches across multiple locations and arrested ten persons, including animal husbandry officials.