New Delhi: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a Drug Inspector and his private aide in Andhra Pradesh after they were caught red-handed while accepting a Rs 20,000 bribe allegedly demanded to process a drug licence application for a medical store.The arrests followed a complaint from an applicant who approached authorities after being asked to pay money for licence approval.The accused were identified as Kampa Suresh Kumar, Drug Inspector posted at Jangareddygudem in Eluru district, and his aide Tadikamalla Siva Ramakrishna. The complainant, Athyutababa Venkata Durga Sai from Avupadu village in East Godavari district, had applied online on February 6, 2026, seeking a drug licence to establish Sri Sai Medical Agencies. He had also submitted the required documents at the Drug Control Administration office.Investigators stated that the Drug Inspector allegedly delayed the approval process and demanded a bribe to clear the application. He reportedly instructed the applicant to coordinate with his aide, who agreed to collect the bribe amount on his behalf.Also Read: Health Ministry Appoints Two New Drug Inspectors Under Drugs and Cosmetics ActUnwilling to pay the bribe, the applicant filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Acting on the complaint, ACB officials laid a trap and caught the aide while accepting the bribe amount. Both the aide and the Drug Inspector were arrested and later produced before the ACB court in Rajamahendravaram, Deccan Chronicle reported.Authorities also conducted searches at the Drug Inspector’s office and residence as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials stated that Suresh Kumar had joined government service as a pharmacist in 1995, was later promoted to Junior Analyst, and became a Drug Inspector in 2021. He had been serving in Jangareddygudem since October 2025.Also Read: Drug Inspector Suspended for Unauthorised Comments on Codeine Raid
