Hyderabad: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a criminal misconduct case against an official of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) for allegedly collecting money from employees by promising help in internal recruitment and for receiving payments through PhonePe.The case was booked against Lavudiya Amar Chand, AFM (Mechanical), ALP Mine, RG-III Area, SCCL, under Section 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act following a complaint.
As per the FIR, ACB had received a petition from the office of the director-general, ACB, on July 17, 2025, referring to a complaint received through email, purportedly sent by a person described as a general mazdoor at MNG OC in Manuguru area, Bhadradri Kothagudem district. The complaint alleged large-scale irregularities in SCCL’s internal recruitment processes and claimed Amar Chand collected bribes to influence selections.The FIR recorded the statement of D Vinay, assistant foreman trainee, Kondapuram UG Mine, SCCL, who said he was appointed in SCCL on compassionate grounds in 2012 after his father’s death, and that Amar Chand was his diploma classmate.Vinay told ACB that before the AFM (Mechanical) examination conducted on Sept 1, 2024, Amar Chand had allegedly demanded 5 lakh, later settled for 4 lakh, claiming he could ensure selection through his “channel”. Vinay said he paid 4 lakh in instalments through PhonePe between Aug 31, 2024, and Sept 13, 2024. Vinay also stated the exam was straightforward and he cleared it on his own merit, but when he sought a refund, Amar Chand refused and claimed Vinay was selected due to his influence, the FIR added.ACB said evidence collected during the regular inquiry included bank statements, PhonePe transaction details and screenshots, WhatsApp chat screenshots, and statements of both Vinay and Amar Chand.
