In a significant blow to corruption networks, the Haryana State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) launched a major offensive on Friday, arresting seven individuals across the state. The coordinated action, part of the special drive 'Operation Peechha Karo', targeted both absconding fugitives and government officials accused of bribery, forgery, and misuse of authority.
Officials Caught Red-Handed in Bribery Stings
The crackdown led to the immediate arrest of two government officials who were caught in the act of accepting illegal bribes. In Rewari, a Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) named Saurabh Upadhyay was apprehended by the Gurugram Vigilance team. He was arrested while accepting Rs 35,000 in cash. The complaint against him was filed by a building material supplier who alleged that Upadhyay had initially demanded Rs 75,000 to clear pending bills for Gram Panchayat works. After negotiation, the bribe amount was settled at Rs 35,000, leading to a successful sting operation.
In a separate trap in Hisar, a junior engineer identified as Girish Kumar, posted in the District Town Planner's office, was arrested. He was caught taking Rs 20,000 as a bribe to allegedly spare a shop from demolition action. Cases have been registered in both instances, and investigations are actively progressing.
Absconding Fugitives Tracked Down Across State
Under the relentless pursuit of Operation Peechha Karo, the vigilance bureau successfully tracked down and arrested six long-wanted absconders from five different ranges of Haryana. The arrested individuals include:
- In the Gurugram Range: Former junior engineer Krishan Kumar, accused of taking bribes for uploading land registration IDs; ex-food & safety officer Anil Kumar, booked for extortion and commission; and salesman Lalit Kumar, involved in tampering with seed distribution records.
- In the Karnal Range: Police Sub-Inspector Vijender Singh, arrested for allegedly demanding Rs 10,000 to close a complaint.
- In the Rohtak Range: Jarnail Singh, a key accused in a major land fraud case involving 12 acres of land through the use of forged wills and documents. This brings the total arrests in this particular case to eleven.
- In the Panchkula Range: Former sub-divisional engineer (PWD) Om Narayan Gupta, who was nabbed after months of evasion using technical surveillance methods.
A Strong Signal Against Graft
This widespread operation sends a clear and uncompromising message about the state's intensified push to dismantle entrenched corruption networks. By simultaneously targeting officials in active duty and fugitives who had been evading the law, the SV&ACB has demonstrated a comprehensive strategy. The drive underscores the authorities' commitment to pursuing cases to their logical conclusion, regardless of how long the accused have been at large. The arrests are expected to bolster public confidence in the anti-corruption framework and act as a deterrent to other corrupt elements within the system.
