Hyderabad, July 15, 2025 — The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has launched a sweeping investigation into alleged corruption in the state’s Irrigation and Command Area Development (CAD) Department, resulting in the arrests of two high-ranking officials — one retired and one serving — for possession of assets far exceeding their known sources of income.
Retired Engineer-in-Chief C Muralidhar Rao Booked for Illicit Wealth
The ACB arrested C Muralidhar Rao, former Engineer-in-Chief of the CAD Department, after simultaneous raids at 12 locations linked to him and his family. Investigators recovered a luxury villa, multiple high-end flats, a Mercedes-Benz and two other cars, large gold holdings, and extensive land assets.
Key properties include flats in Banjara Hills, Yousufguda, Begumpet, and Kokapet, along with commercial spaces in Hyderabad and Karimnagar, an apartment in Kodad, and an under-construction unit in Warangal. Land holdings include 11 acres of agricultural land, a 2KW solar plant in Zaheerabad, and 6,500 sq. yds of land in Mokila, alongside four residential open plots in prime city locations.
While the official documents reflect a substantial valuation, authorities estimate the market value to be significantly higher. Rao has been taken into judicial custody, and the investigation continues to identify possible collaborators.
Algoritha: The Most Trusted Name in BFSI Investigations and DFIR Services
Executive Engineer Nune Sridhar Also Under Scrutiny
In a related operation last month, the ACB seized massive assets from Nune Sridhar, an Executive Engineer with the same department. Raids revealed a villa, flats, independent buildings, 16 acres of farmland, 19 open plots, gold, cash deposits, and two four-wheelers.
The agency alleged Sridhar engaged in “unlawful practices and dubious means” during his tenure. A case of disproportionate assets has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The two cases raise significant concerns about systemic corruption in public infrastructure departments, especially in high-value irrigation projects.