ACB raids on former RDO’s properties in Madanapalli file burning case

The Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials today conducted extensive searches at the residences of former Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Murali, the key accused in the file burning case at the Madanapally Sub-Collectorate.

The raids were carried out at Murali’s residence in Prashant Nagar, Madanapally town, as well as at the house in Tirupati where his son resides. According to TDP sources, Murali is alleged to have played a significant role in the removal of freehold lands from the prohibited list during the YSRCP government’s tenure.

The controversy surrounding his actions stems from suspicions that Murali was involved in manipulating records to add lands, allegedly purchased by YSRCP leaders from poor people, to the freehold list using forged signatures. The incident of file burning at the Madanapally Sub-Collectorate on July 21, 2023, has attracted serious attention from the TDP alliance government.

Following the incident, State officials took swift action. Andhra Pradesh State DGP Dwaraka Tirumala Rao and the then CID Chief Ravi Shankar Ayyannar visited the site via a special helicopter to assess the situation. Revenue Special Chief Secretary Sisodia spent two days in Madanapally, collecting complaints from the public regarding alleged land grabbing by YCP leaders.

The CID has been investigating the matter for over four months, and simultaneous raids on Murali’s properties have been a part of the ongoing investigation. Police have already registered cases against eight individuals in connection with the file-burning incident, and sources indicate that additional searches will be conducted at their residences as well.