The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case of disproportionate assets against a senior state transport official after uncovering assets allegedly far exceeding his known sources of income.

The accused has been identified as Mood Kishan, a Deputy Transport Commissioner posted in Mahabubnagar district. According to an official ACB release, Kishan is accused of amassing wealth through corrupt practices and dubious means during his tenure in public service.

Searches conducted at Kishan’s residence and 11 other locations linked to him and his associates revealed an extensive portfolio of movable and immovable assets.

These include a 50 per cent stake in Lahari International Hotel in Nizamabad, ownership of 3,000 square yards of premium furniture showroom space, two residential flats, 31 acres of agricultural land, 10 acres of commercial land, a polyhouse, and a shed.

The raids also led to the seizure of bank deposits worth Rs 1.37 crore, gold ornaments weighing around 1,000 grams, and two cars, the ACB said.

While the documented value of the seized assets stands at Rs 12.72 crore, their actual market value is estimated to exceed Rs 100 crore, according to an NDTV report. A source cited by the channel said that the 31-acre agricultural land alone could be worth around Rs 62 crore at prevailing market rates.

The scale of the alleged accumulation has raised serious questions, especially given that an officer of Kishan’s rank typically earns a monthly salary between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.25 lakh.

Investigators also suspect that the official built a “shadow empire” of hotels and commercial establishments while in active service, allegedly in violation of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Mood Kishan has been booked under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, which deal with criminal misconduct by a public servant and possession of disproportionate assets. Further investigation is underway to trace the money trail and identify benami holdings, officials said.