Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabs SDM and Staff in Bribery Scandal; Rs 4 Lakh Cash Discovered
Synopsis
In a bold move against corruption, the Rajasthan ACB apprehended a Sub-Divisional Magistrate and her associates for allegedly soliciting a bribe. The operation revealed shocking amounts of cash, raising questions about accountability in public office.
Key Takeaways
Significant crackdown on corruption by the Rajasthan ACB.
Nadoti SDM and two staff members caught in a bribery scheme.
Additional Rs 4 lakh in cash discovered during the operation.
Confidential verification led to the successful trap.
Ongoing investigations into the source of the cash.
Jaipur, April 16 (NationPress) In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) apprehended Nadoti Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kajal Meena along with her Reader, Dinesh Kumar Saini, and Senior Assistant, Praveen Dhakad, on allegations of accepting a bribe amounting to Rs 60,000 in Karauli district.
During this operation, authorities also uncovered an additional Rs 4 lakh in cash, the origins of which are currently under investigation.
As per ACB Director General of Police Govind Gupta, the operation was initiated by the ACB's Sawai Madhopur unit after receiving a complaint indicating that the SDM, through her Reader, was soliciting a bribe for issuing the final decree (Takasnama) for the division of the complainant’s land.
The complainant reported that an initial request of Rs 1 lakh was made, which was later negotiated down to Rs 50,000. Upon receiving the complaint, the ACB conducted a discreet verification, during which the Reader allegedly requested Rs 50,000 on behalf of the SDM and an additional Rs 10,000 for himself.
A trap was set on April 16, where the complainant was called to the SDM’s office in Nadoti, where the Rs 60,000 bribe was exchanged.
The money was initially received by the Reader and subsequently handed over to Senior Assistant Praveen Dhakad.
During the operation, the ACB team confirmed the SDM's alleged involvement through a recorded mobile conversation in which she purportedly agreed to the bribe arrangement.
Following this, the suspects were caught in the act.
A search of the bag transporting the bribe money led to the discovery of an extra Rs 4 lakh, with its source currently under investigation.
This operation was conducted under the guidance of ACB Deputy Inspector General Dr Rameshwar Singh and led by Additional Superintendent of Police Gyan Singh Chaudhary from the Sawai Madhopur unit.
Further actions are being taken under the oversight of Additional Director General Smita Srivastava and Inspector General S. Parimala.
The ACB has announced that a case will be filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with an ongoing investigation to determine the origin of the recovered cash and the extent of the accused's involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the SDM and her staff?
The arrests were made after a complaint was filed, alleging that the SDM was demanding a bribe for issuing a land partition decree.
How much money was seized during the operation?
The ACB seized a total of Rs 4 lakh in cash, in addition to the bribe of Rs 60,000.
What actions will be taken against the accused?
The ACB plans to file a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, with further investigations ongoing.
