Did ACB Catch Forest Guards Accepting Bribe at Udaipur's Katarwas Forest Check Post?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A shocking operation by the ACB led to the arrest of two forest guards in Udaipur for accepting a bribe of ₹80,000. The swift action underscores the ongoing fight against corruption in public service. Read more to understand the implications of this incident!
Key Takeaways
- ACB's proactive measures against corruption are crucial for public trust.
- Bribery in public service undermines integrity and accountability.
- Swift action by authorities is essential to deter future corruption.
Jaipur, Dec 1 (NationPress) In a decisive move guided by the ACB Headquarters, the Anti-Corruption Bureau's Dungarpur Unit executed a significant trap operation on Monday. Two officials from the Forest Department, Mahesh Kumar Meena and Vijesh Ahari, both serving as Forest Guards at the Katarwas Check Post in the Khairwada Forest Range within Udaipur District, were apprehended while receiving a bribe of ₹80,000 from a complainant.
The Director General of Police, ACB, Govind Gupta, reported on Monday that the bureau acted upon a complaint alleging that the complainant and his business partner were involved in wood transportation. On November 29, 2025, the complainant loaded eucalyptus and silk cotton timber into Truck No. GJ 09 AU 1283 from Phalasia. A second vehicle, RJ 27 GB 4806, also transported eucalyptus wood from Jhadol. Both vehicles possessed valid documentation and were on their way to a location in Khairwada.
On November 30, 2025, the complainant was notified that the Forest Department staff had seized both vehicles at the Katarwas Check Post. The accused officials allegedly solicited a bribe of ₹80,000 in return for releasing Truck No. GJ 09 AU 1283 without taking legal action, despite the documentation being in order. Following standard procedures, the ACB confirmed the bribe demand on the same day. During the verification process, both accused accepted the bribe amount.
Today, a meticulously planned trap operation was conducted under the oversight of Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Deputy Inspector General (DIG-I) of ACB. The operation was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Ratan Singh Rajpurohit, alongside Police Inspector Rajendra Singh and the ACB team. The suspects were caught in the act with the marked bribe money in their possession.
Further investigations and documentation are being carried out under the supervision of Smita Srivastava, Additional Director General of Police, ACB. A case will be registered under pertinent Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and additional inquiries are currently ongoing.
Point of View
The recent arrest of forest guards by the ACB highlights the persistent issue of corruption within government services. It is crucial for public trust that such incidents are addressed swiftly and transparently. The ACB's prompt response serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and uphold accountability in public offices.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the forest guards arrested for?
The forest guards were arrested for accepting a bribe of ₹80,000 for releasing a seized truck carrying timber.
Who conducted the operation?
The operation was conducted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) under the supervision of senior officials.
What actions will be taken against the accused?
A case will be registered under relevant Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is underway.
