Fresh allegations of corruption have emerged against several revenue officials in Telangana, with claims that some Tahsildars misused their authority in land-related matters and allegedly amassed huge wealth through illegal practices. The allegations relate to land registrations, mutation cases, and pending revenue matters across the former Medak district.
According to reports, the transition from the Dharani Portal to the Bhu Bharati Portal has given Tahsildars, Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs), Additional Collectors (Revenue), and District Revenue Officers (DROs) greater authority to process land transactions. However, these expanded powers have also raised concerns over alleged misuse by certain officials.
Allegations of Bribery and Illegal Collections
Sources claim that some Tahsildars, along with private operators and MeeSeva centre managers, allegedly employed intermediaries to collect money from landowners seeking approvals or registration services. Reports suggest that postings in several high-value mandals within the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) region were highly sought after, allegedly due to opportunities for illegal earnings.
One recent case involved a Tahsildar in Siddipet district who was reportedly caught accepting a bribe of ₹70,000 for approving a nala conversion. In another case, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials conducted searches at the residence of a Gazwel Tahsildar following allegations of possessing assets disproportionate to known sources of income. Cash and documents were reportedly seized during the operation.
Questions Raised Over Land Registrations
Serious allegations have also been made regarding land registrations in parts of Siddipet district. Officials are accused of processing registrations of ceiling lands and government-assigned lands in violation of existing rules.
Reports indicate that investigations found irregularities in registrations involving villages such as Rayavaram, Tipparam, and Singaram. Authorities suspect that substantial amounts of money may have exchanged hands during these transactions. Action has reportedly been initiated against the concerned Tahsildar, while officials have been directed to investigate earlier land dealings as well.
Private Individuals Allegedly Involved in Revenue Operations
Another major concern highlighted in the reports is the alleged involvement of private individuals in government revenue offices. In some mandals, private persons are said to have handled financial dealings on behalf of officials.
There are also allegations that in several revenue offices, land-related files were processed only after unofficial payments were made. MeeSeva operators and private agents are reportedly being used to facilitate these collections, raising concerns about transparency in public services.
Investigation Could Reveal Larger Network
The allegations are not limited to one district. Reports point to similar concerns in Sangareddy, Medak, and Siddipet districts, including previous irregularities involving Bhoodan and ceiling lands.
Revenue experts believe that a comprehensive investigation into past land transactions could uncover a wider network of illegal registrations and financial irregularities. Authorities have already initiated inquiries in some cases, while further investigations are expected.
It is important to note that these allegations are based on reported claims, and the concerned officials are entitled to due legal process. Any findings of wrongdoing will depend on the outcome of official investigations.