Rajasthan's ACB Nabs Man for Rs 13 Lakh Bribe Linked to ED Evasion
Synopsis
In a pivotal anti-corruption operation, Uttam Pandey was caught accepting a Rs 13 lakh bribe in Sikar, Rajasthan, under the guise of helping a complainant evade Enforcement Directorate scrutiny. The ACB continues its investigation into this significant case.
Key Takeaways
Uttam Pandey arrested for accepting Rs 13 lakh bribe.
Operation executed by Rajasthan's Anti-Corruption Bureau .
Accused falsely claimed ties to Enforcement Directorate .
Bribe negotiations started at Rs 20 lakh.
Investigation ongoing under the Prevention of Corruption Act .
Jaipur, Feb 28 (NationPress) A significant operation by the Special Unit-2 of Rajasthan's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) led to the arrest of Uttam Pandey, a resident of Sarai Pandeypur village in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The accused was apprehended on Saturday while he was in the process of accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 13 lakh from the complainant in Sikar district.
According to ACB Director General Govind Gupta, the complainant had approached the ACB in Jaipur with a written complaint on December 30, 2025.
The complainant reported being defrauded in 2022 concerning an investment in the private company QFX Private Limited.
In a twist, the accused contacted the victim, misleadingly asserting his affiliation with the Assistant Director's office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Chandigarh. He demanded a bribe to ensure the removal of the victim's name from the case and to facilitate relief.
Initially asking for Rs 20 lakh, the accused negotiated the sum down to Rs 15 lakh and finally settled on accepting Rs 13 lakh.
Following the verification of the complaint, a trap was strategically set on Saturday under the direction of Vijay Singh, the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Jaipur, with oversight from Anil Kayal, the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Uttam Pandey was caught in the act near Hotel Ashoka in Kalyan Circle, where he accepted the bribe. An amount totaling Rs 13 lakh was recovered from him, which included Rs 2 lakh in cash and Rs 11 lakh through other forms.
This operation is being closely monitored by Smita Srivastava, the Additional Director General of Police for ACB. A case has been initiated against the accused under the applicable sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, with further investigations ongoing.
Point of View
But it also raises concerns about the systemic issues that allow such practices to persist. Our nation must prioritize transparency and integrity in public service.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Uttam Pandey's arrest?
Uttam Pandey was arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 13 lakh to help a complainant evade scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate.
What was the initial bribe amount demanded?
The accused initially demanded Rs 20 lakh, later negotiating it down to Rs 13 lakh.
Who conducted the operation to catch the accused?
The operation was conducted by the Special Unit-2 of the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau, supervised by senior officials including Vijay Singh and Anil Kayal.
What is the legal framework for this case?
A case has been registered against Uttam Pandey under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Where was the accused caught?
Uttam Pandey was caught near Hotel Ashoka in Kalyan Circle, Sikar.
