Published Aug 17, 2025 | 12:53 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 17, 2025 | 12:53 PM
Telangana police. (Wikimedia)
Synopsis: According to a report, a prominent political figure, currently the chairman of a government society in Telangana, has emerged as the central figure in a web of corruption within the state’s police department. The shadow leader’s proximity to powerful government figures has shocked political circles.
A prominent political figure, currently the chairman of a government society in Telangana, has emerged as the central figure in a web of corruption within the state’s police department, according to a report published by Telugu newspaper Eenadu on Sunday, 17 August.
This individual, referred to as the shadow leader and Bhai is allegedly the key contact for police officers seeking lucrative postings and taking a cut in the illicit earnings they make, using their rank and position.
The Eenadu report reveals that three Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) from as many commissionerates in Hyderabad have formed a syndicate, engaging in illegal activities.
Their frequent meetings in Narsingi to discuss real estate investments and settlements funded by illicit gains are widely known within the department. The lack of action against these officers has raised significant concerns.
A DCP previously tasked with curbing organised crime is accused of large-scale corruption. Backed by the leader, he allegedly extended his influence beyond his jurisdiction to protect illegal activities.
As Law and Order DCP, he reportedly extorted up to ₹20 lakh monthly from pubs to allow weekend gambling camps and collected protection money from spas. A recent raid by the Women’s Safety Wing exposed these rackets, leading to his suspension after senior officials initiated an investigation.
He had publicly boasted of being untouchable due to the shadow leader’s support.
An Additional DCP, once part of the Anti-Corruption unit, is accused of using dossiers to intimidate subordinates, threatening repercussions if they fail to comply.
During a departmental conference, he referred to the shadow political leader as “Bhai” and instructed officers to work for him. When another DCP objected, he was allegedly forced to speak with the shadow leader over the phone, causing an uproar in the department.
Another DCP, responsible for controlling organised crime in a different commissionerate, is under surveillance for facilitating “settlements” alongside the shadow leader.
The shadow leader’s proximity to powerful government figures has shocked political circles.
He previously worked with a senior leader from North Andhra, who served as a minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh, and later with a prominent woman leader from the previous government. He now wields significant influence at the highest levels.
Officers seeking favourable postings reportedly secure appointments through his aides, who even summon them during his gym sessions with instructions to “meet Bhai.”
In a recent controversy, the shadow leader allegedly orchestrated the filing of state-wide complaints through his followers, resulting in multiple FIRs on the same issue.
One DCP’s family members are reportedly involved in supervising settlement businesses in his jurisdiction. After staff began exposing his role, he allegedly transferred them out. Another DCP demanded ₹50 lakh per acre from an individual seeking possession of their land, causing the person to withdraw quietly.
In a separate case, a DCP intervened in a real estate venture lacking proper access roads, securing two plots in his family’s name as part of a compromise facilitated with the shadow leader. He is also accused of demanding a share in land dispute cases, quoting ₹30 lakh for a 500-square-yard plot with proper documents or ₹50 lakh without.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
