A Former ED Officer Faces Renewed Scrutiny
The name of Bollineni Srinivasa Gandhi, a former official who served in the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department, has once again become the center of controversy. Allegations of abuse of power, disproportionate assets, bribery, and politically motivated investigations had surfaced against him in the past. With fresh criminal cases now being registered, his role is once again under intense public and political scrutiny.
Controversy Over Extended Tenure in the Enforcement Directorate
Bollineni Srinivasa Gandhi began his career in 1992 as an Inspector in the Central Excise Department. His prolonged tenure in the Enforcement Directorate, however, became a subject of controversy.
According to critics, Gandhi continued in the ED for nearly 13 years, allegedly in violation of established service norms. Normally, officers are expected to serve for two years in such sensitive investigative agencies, with extensions rarely exceeding three years under exceptional circumstances. His extended posting reportedly led to allegations that special exemptions had been granted in his favor.
Role in YS Jagan’s ED Cases Draws Political Criticism
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) had previously alleged that Gandhi played a key role in the Enforcement Directorate cases filed against party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, Jagan Mohan Reddy reportedly wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the cases registered against him were politically motivated. The party also claimed that notices were issued to Y.S. Bharathi Reddy, despite her having no direct connection to the cases, and alleged procedural violations in the attachment of assets.
YSRCP leaders further alleged that while Gandhi pursued aggressive action in cases involving Jagan, he adopted a lenient approach in GST evasion cases allegedly involving former Union Minister Sujana Chowdary.
Disproportionate Assets Allegations
Serious corruption allegations were also levelled against Bollineni Srinivasa Gandhi.
Although his total salary during approximately a decade of service was reportedly around ₹65 lakh, allegations surfaced that a CBI investigation found assets worth more than ₹200 crore linked to him.
Reports at the time claimed that he had acquired properties through benami transactions in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Amaravati. Allegations also included the payment of large sums for securing a medical seat for his daughter and claims that his assets increased by nearly 288 percent between 2010 and 2019, according to the investigation.
Bribery Case and CBI FIR
Another major controversy emerged when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR against Gandhi over allegations that he demanded a ₹5 crore bribe from a businessman.
According to the allegations, investigators collected photographs and audio recordings purportedly showing him accepting ₹10 lakh in cash as part of the alleged transaction. Despite these allegations, Gandhi was promoted as an Assistant Commissioner in 2020, a move that also attracted criticism.
Arrest and Fake COVID Certificate Allegations
In 2021, when CBI officials attempted to arrest Gandhi, he allegedly tried to evade arrest by producing fake COVID-19 medical reports.
Investigators later concluded that the reports were fabricated, following which Gandhi was arrested. The incident received widespread attention at the time.
Fresh Fraud Case Against My Fortune Infra
Recently, Gandhi has once again landed in legal trouble.
The Hyderabad Central Crime Station (CCS) police registered a criminal breach of trust case against him in connection with My Fortune Infra, a partnership firm.
According to the complaint, investors alleged that funds collected through the company were diverted to other firms, resulting in financial losses. These fresh allegations have brought Gandhi’s earlier controversies back into public discussion.
Political Reactions Intensify
Following the latest developments, the YSR Congress Party has renewed its allegations that an officer facing multiple corruption accusations was used to target political opponents.
YSRCP leaders argue that the criminal cases filed against Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy were politically motivated and that the fresh allegations against Bollineni Srinivasa Gandhi strengthen their long-standing claims. They contend that the latest developments raise fresh questions about the manner in which investigations were conducted during that period.
On the other hand, political observers believe the renewed controversy has also triggered debate over the political functioning and investigative practices associated with the tenure of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
