The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended G. Mallikarjuna Prasad, Assistant Commissioner of the District Endowments Office, while accepting a ₹25,000 bribe to release temple construction funds.

Key Takeaways

  • Assistant Commissioner G. Mallikarjuna Prasad arrested by ACB.
  • Bribe of ₹25,000 demanded for releasing a ₹2 lakh TTD Srivani Trust cheque.
  • Accused had been in service since 1984, rising from Attender to Assistant Commissioner.

In a significant crackdown on administrative corruption, officials from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Friday caught G. Mallikarjuna Prasad, the Assistant Commissioner in the District Endowments Office, Anantapuramu, red-handed. He was allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹25,000 from a complainant.

According to official ACB reports, the demand for the bribe was linked to the issuance of a cheque amounting to ₹2 lakh. This fund had been sanctioned by the TTD’s Srivani Trust specifically for the construction of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple located in Cherlopalli village, Pulluru mandal. The trap was laid following a complaint regarding the official's demand for illegal gratification.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that corruption within departments managing religious endowments poses a significant threat to the sanctity and financial integrity of communal trusts. When officials demand kickbacks for sanctioned public/trust funds, it undermines the entire administrative framework of religious governance.

Systemic corruption in endowment departments necessitates not just arrests, but a complete overhaul of fund disbursement protocols.

The career trajectory of the accused highlights a long-standing presence in the government machinery. Mr. Prasad originally entered government service in 1984 as an attender on compassionate grounds. Over the decades, he climbed the hierarchy through various promotions, serving as Junior Assistant, Senior Assistant, and Superintendent before attaining the rank of Assistant Commissioner in 2009.

Historical Background

The Endowments Department is tasked with the administration and protection of Hindu religious institutions and their properties. Due to the massive volume of donations and trust funds involved, these departments have historically been high-risk areas for financial irregularities and bureaucratic misconduct.

Did You Know?: The TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) is one of the richest religious institutions in the world, managing vast amounts of trust funds for various social and religious causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the purpose of the bribe?
The bribe was demanded to facilitate the release of a ₹2 lakh cheque sanctioned for temple construction.

2. What is the current status of the accused?
The accused is being produced before the ACB Special Court as investigations continue.