Hyderabad: Some residents of Suryanagar Colony at Tolichowki filed a complaint with the vigilance and enforcement (V&E) department on Saturday, accusing GHMC Circle 18 officials of corruption, harassment, and misuse of powers, resulting in delayed public works, demands for bribes, and substandard infrastructure.
Asif Sohail, adviser for the Suryanagar welfare associations, said, “Rs 70 lakh was sanctioned for road works and tenders were issued over a year ago. The work remains incomplete due to alleged bribe demands by officials including executive engineer Vijay Kumar, deputy executive engineer Hariram, and assistant engineer Mohan Rao.”
Sohail alleged that proposals for constructing a sports complex and community hall, also approved, have been delayed for the same reasons.
The residents accused officers, who had held their positions for the five years, of building corrupt networks, manipulating tenders, and embezzling public funds. The residents noted that poorly constructed roads in the neighbouring Shaikpet division, overseen by the same officials, deteriorated quickly, raising concerns about corruption and negligence.
Mohammed Bari, one of the residents, alleged that the officials use political connections to intimidate those who file complaints, silencing dissent and avoiding accountability. “The officials have been deliberately delaying civic works in our locality, which has a population of 5,000 residents, and disrupted life in Suryanagar Colony,” he complained.
The residents urged A.R. Srinivas, director of V&E department, to form a special team to investigate financial dealings and tender processes of the accused officials and audit the completed projects in Circle 18 to uncover irregularities. They sought the suspension of implicated officials during the investigation and expedite pending projects with strict quality control.
“We have lodged a complaint against the GHMC officials with director Srinivas and he assured us that a thorough inquiry will be conducted and justice will be rendered,” said Sohail, who is also president of the Jubilee Hills Colonies Forum and adviser to the Suryanagar Welfare Association.
“Officials of Circle 18 must be suspended immediately, and a detailed inquiry into their assets and corruption must be conducted. If justice is delayed, we are prepared to file a PIL in the High Court and we will not withdraw the complaint despite local politicians and officials threatening,” he said.
Sohail also alleged corruption in Circle 18’s town planning department, accusing officials of accepting bribes to approve seven-floor buildings in small plots. Sohail vowed to file additional criminal cases, supported by evidence, to hold those responsible accountable. They remain optimistic that the vigilance department will act swiftly to ensure accountability, transparency, and the timely resolution of their grievances, he said.
