Hyderabad: may11 global 360 TV
Allegations of large-scale financial irregularities in property tax collection have surfaced in the Saroornagar Circle of the Meerpet Municipal Corporation (MMC). Local residents and civic groups allege that collusion between high-ranking officials and commercial property owners has resulted in a loss of crores of rupees to the state exchequer.
Discrepancies in High-Value Properties
The controversy primarily centers around prominent commercial structures, including Prajay Princeton Towers. Detailed scrutiny of tax records reveals a startling gap between the mandated tax and the actual amounts reflected in the online system.
Case 1 (PTIN: 1031123514):* For the property under Door No: 11-15-14/1/PP, the annual tax is approximately *₹7,21,074. Records show that in March 2025, a Vacancy Remission was granted, and ₹3,67,748 was paid. However, for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the online portal shows a pending balance of only *₹1,54,598*, raising suspicions of illegal waivers. The estimated loss to the MMC for this property alone stands at over *₹12.87 lakh**.
- Case 2 (PTIN: 1031123110): A more significant discrepancy was noted for Door No: 11-15-14/1/PPT/3F,4F. Despite an annual tax liability of *₹30,73,044, the current outstanding balance is shown as a mere *₹2,98,638*. Local sources estimate the total revenue loss across two fiscal years for this unit to be approximately *₹58.47 lakh**.
Allegations Against Officials
Local circles have pointed fingers at specific revenue officials. It is alleged that Deputy Commissioner Bonagiri Srinivas, in coordination with a Tax Inspector and other staff, has been facilitating these under-the-table settlements.
“This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced against the Deputy Commissioner,” a source within the MMC stated on condition of anonymity. “Previously, similar accusations involving the non-assessment of commercial buildings in the Gaddiannaram area were reported. Despite these recurring complaints, the official continues to hold his position, reportedly due to a shortage of Deputy Commissioners in the corporation.”
Demand for Inquiry:
The apparent lack of oversight has sparked outrage among civic organizations. Despite the MMC being overseen by senior IAS officers, critics question why no stringent action has been taken against those involved.
Residents are now demanding a high-level probe by the Vigilance Department or the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to investigate:
- The criteria used for granting Vacancy Remissions to high-value commercial properties.
- The reasons for the manual or digital manipulation of tax arrears.
- The alleged nexus between political pressure and administrative inaction.
While the government continues to urge citizens to pay taxes promptly for urban development, such systemic leakages in the revenue department remain a matter of grave concern for the public.
