As part of a major crackdown on bureaucratic corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Andhra Pradesh carried out simultaneous raids on the properties of Yadala Maheshwara Rao, the Revenue Officer of Vinukonda Municipality and current In-charge Commissioner of Darshi Municipality in Prakasam district.
The raids, which began in the early hours of Monday, February 2, 2026, left officials stunned as they uncovered a vast portfolio of properties and luxury assets stashed away in the names of the official's family members.
A Family Affair of Illicit Assets
The probe found Maheshwara Rao having diligently laundered his purported ill-gotten gains through the registration of prominent real estate in the names of his mother, wife, and son. The treasure trove of seized papers and assets depicts a systemic agglomeration of wealth:
- Real Estate: Documents for 9 residential plots in developing urban areas and 2 luxury residential houses.
- Land Holdings: Significant acreage of agricultural land registered under the names of his family members.
- Precious Metals: 729 grams of gold jewelry and nearly 9.275 kilograms of silver articles.
- Hard Cash: Around ₹2.60 lakh in liquid cash seized at his home.
- Vehicles & Luxury Goods: One high-end car, three motorcycles, and pricey household electronic goods and furniture.
Modus Operandi
Maheshwara Rao, holding key positions in municipal revenue and administration, purportedly had the power to amass wealth through various "collection" channels. As Commissioner in Darshi, he had considerable authority over local developmental approvals and revenue assessments.
The ACB reports that the market value of the confiscated assets is believed to be several times higher than the official document value possibly in the tens of crores.
Legal Action
The ACB lodged a DA (Disproportionate Assets) case against Rao. He is being questioned about the source of the funds used to buy these properties. Officials said the probe was widening, and the residences of his close associates and relatives were being searched for any other hidden "benami" holdings.
“This is obviously how you amass wealth by abusing an official position,” said an ACB spokesperson. “The investigation will continue until every link in this financial trail is identified.”
