PNS|Hyderabad
Suspended irrigation department official Hariram is being questioned by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with a disproportionate assets case.
The ACB, which secured a five-day custody of the former ENC from the special court, is probing allegations that he amassed huge wealth illegally during his tenure, particularly through favours from Kaleshwaram Project contractors.
ACB officials have valued Hariram’s assets at around Rs 200 crore. Three bank lockers are going to be opened. The ACB is focusing on proxy properties. Hariram’s wife also works in the Irrigation Department. So she is also likely to be probed.
The questioning began on Friday after the ACB took Hariram into custody from the Chanchalguda jail, where he was lodged in judicial custody.
On the first day, officials reportedly faced difficulty as Hariram did not give satisfactory responses to several queries. Sources said ACB officials are determined to delve deeper into the financial transactions and proxy assets linked to him.
It may be recalled that after the registration of the case, the Irrigation Department suspended Hariram. His name surfaced prominently after serious allegations emerged that he had pocketed huge kickbacks from contractors involved in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project.
Sources said the ACB is focusing on gathering comprehensive details regarding the alleged proxy assets of Hariram. The questioning, which began on Friday, will continue till May 6 as per the court’s order granting five-day custody.
