In a major anti-corruption operation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Andhra Pradesh conducted coordinated raids across multiple locations in Tadepalli, Undavalli, and Visakhapatnam, following credible inputs that Assistant Commissioner Santhi had accumulated wealth far exceeding her known sources of income. The raids were executed by multiple ACB teams targeting both residential and commercial properties of the accused officer.
During the searches, officials seized a variety of assets, including a residential flat in Vizag, a G+2 building at Kunchanapalli, approximately 770 grams of gold ornaments, nearly 3 kilograms of silver articles, cash amounting to ₹1.15 lakh, and bank balances totaling about ₹3 lakh. Additionally, luxury items such as a Volkswagen Polo car, a motorcycle, and various electronic gadgets were recovered. Incriminating documents were also collected, which are expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.
Significant Anti- #Corruption crackdown, the #ACB, #Vijayawada arrested #Endowments Dept Asst Commissioner #KalingiriShanti in a #DisproportionateAssets Case.
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) April 8, 2026
Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raided properties of Assistant Commissioner (Endowments Department), Kalingiri Shanti, on… pic.twitter.com/cKdVrR7Ndq
Shanthi, appointed as Assistant Commissioner in the Endowments Department through the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) in 2020, served in both Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. She was under suspension from July 2024 to March 2026 due to previous allegations. The current ACB case, registered under Cr.No.05/RCA-ACBVJA/2026, falls under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018), citing disproportionate assets and suspected misuse of office.
Following the raids, Shanthi was taken into custody after due procedural formalities and is being produced before the Special Court for ACB cases in Vijayawada. ACB officials have stated that further searches are underway and asset valuation is in progress to determine the full extent of disproportionate wealth.
Investigators are also examining bank accounts, property documents, and other financial records to trace the source of the assets and identify any accomplices involved. Officials stressed that the probe is ongoing and more details are expected in the coming days.
The case has drawn significant attention across Andhra Pradesh, as it highlights the state government’s efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability among public servants. Experts have noted that disproportionate assets cases serve as a warning to other officials against corruption and misuse of authority.
Local authorities have also urged citizens and government employees to cooperate with ongoing investigations while emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in public office. The ACB has reaffirmed its commitment to follow the case rigorously, ensuring that all legal and procedural standards are met.
This high-profile case underscores the persistent challenges of tackling corruption in government institutions and reinforces the role of vigilant monitoring by anti-corruption agencies. With assets ranging from gold and silver to luxury vehicles, the investigation is expected to be closely followed by both media and civil society groups.
As the probe continues, public attention remains focused on accountability, ethical governance, and the need for stringent enforcement of anti-corruption laws to prevent misuse of public office.
