Telangana Cyber Bureau Inspector Arrested for Demanding ₹9 Lakh Bribe

In a major anti-corruption operation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a Circle Inspector attached to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau for allegedly demanding and accepting a substantial bribe from a complainant linked to a cyber fraud investigation.

The arrested officer, Bathula Mahender , was caught by officials of the ACB Central Investigation Unit after he allegedly sought ₹9 lakh in exchange for shielding the family members and associates of an accused person from being implicated in an ongoing cyber fraud case.

According to ACB officials, a cyber fraud case had recently been registered by the Cyber Security Bureau, with a particular individual named as an accused. During the course of the investigation, Mahender allegedly threatened to widen the scope of the case and include the accused person's relatives and friends unless a large sum of money was paid.

Unable to withstand the pressure and alleged harassment, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint. Acting on the information, officials verified the allegations and laid a trap.

The investigation revealed that Mahender had already collected ₹5 lakh from the complainant in two installments. He was allegedly demanding the remaining ₹4 lakh and reportedly warned of serious consequences if the balance amount was not paid.

On Saturday, while allegedly exerting pressure on the complainant to clear the outstanding amount, Mahender was caught by ACB officials and taken into custody.

Following the arrest, ACB teams conducted searches at the officer's residence. During the raids, officials reportedly recovered ₹13 lakh in unaccounted cash , along with gold ornaments and documents related to several valuable properties.

The seized assets are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation into the officer's financial dealings and possible disproportionate assets. ACB officials said further inquiries are underway and additional legal action will be taken based on the findings.

The case has drawn attention as it involves a police officer entrusted with investigating cybercrimes, highlighting concerns over corruption within law-enforcement agencies tasked with upholding the law.