Hyderabad: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials, who are probing the case of irrigation AEE Herur Nikesh Kumar's alleged illegal assets case, reportedly concluded that the accused officer misused his position to collect massive bribes while issuing the no-objection certificates (NoCs) to construct houses and buildings on the FTL and buffer zone areas in Gandipet locality.
The four-day questioning of the accused was concluded on Sunday and Nikesh Kumar was produced before the court for judicial remand. During the questioning, the accused officer reportedly spilled beans before the ACB officials on his alleged illegal assets.
The ACB officials focused on the sources of income for his investments in farmlands, open plots, flats and other movable properties. Reportedly, Nikesh Kumar took advantage of loopholes in the system and used to advise the applicants on how to get NoCs by paying off huge bribes. Even though the NoCs were to be issued after conducting joint inspections with the revenue department officials, Nikesh Kumar used to handle the issues from the irrigation department alone and collected huge bribes from the applicants.
According to sources, the accused officer amassed assets worth more than Rs 100 crore, mostly in immovable assets and gold jewellery. He would usually demand gold ornaments as gifts from the applicants. During the investigation, the ACB officials found a huge hoard of gold ornaments, which were placed in the lockers of Nikesh Kumar's benamis.
After obtaining leads on his benami transactions, the ACB officials are likely to question his benamis, relatives and other suspects in connection with the case. The ACB officials obtained the call data of the accused officer and they trying to find out more about his benami activities.
