Retired engineer turns out to be ‘Kubera’, stacks of cash and 2.5 kg gold found at home; black income worth over ₹50 crore exposed

Visakhapatnam (The Uttam Hindu): In a major anti-corruption operation, the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has exposed massive illegal wealth belonging to a recently retired government engineer. The raids were conducted against Kallepalli Srinivasa Rao, former Superintending Engineer of the Panchayat Raj Department, revealing disproportionate assets worth more than ₹50 crore. Rao had retired from service on December 31, 2025, and the action came just days after his retirement.

ACB raids conducted simultaneously in three cities

The ACB received credible intelligence that Srinivasa Rao had accumulated assets far beyond his known sources of income. Acting on this input, teams carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations linked to Rao, his family members, and associates in Visakhapatnam, Salur, and Hyderabad. Rao, who had been in government service since 1990, is accused of misusing his official position to amass enormous wealth. Officials were reportedly shocked by what they discovered during the searches.

Cash, gold, and property documents recovered

During the search operation, ACB officials seized ₹61.87 lakh in cash from the premises. They also recovered around 2.5 kilograms of gold and 20.3 kilograms of silver, collectively valued at several crores. Property documents revealed ownership of three house plots and two high-end residential flats. In addition, documents related to 18.57 cents of agricultural land purchased in the name of Rao’s daughter in Salur were also found. Five bank lockers linked to the accused have been identified and sealed, and are yet to be opened.

Arrest certain, asset value may rise further

Following the recovery, the ACB registered a case against Srinivasa Rao under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Officials confirmed that he will be arrested after completion of procedural formalities and produced before the special ACB court in Visakhapatnam. The seized documents will undergo forensic examination, and the five sealed bank lockers will be opened soon. Investigators believe that once the lockers are examined, the total value of illegal assets could exceed ₹50 crore.

Strong government action against corrupt officials

This high-value seizure comes amid an intensified anti-corruption drive in Andhra Pradesh. In recent months, the ACB has taken action against corrupt officials from revenue, judiciary, and engineering departments. The state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and disproportionate assets. This raid is being described as one of the biggest recoveries in recent times and has sent shockwaves through the administrative machinery.