Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabs Panchayat Extension Officer in Kota Bribery Sting Operation
In a significant crackdown on corruption at the grassroots level, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Bundi made a high-profile arrest on Tuesday. The agency apprehended a panchayat extension officer for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 at his office premises. This incident has sent shockwaves through the local administrative circles and highlights the ongoing battle against graft in rural governance.
Details of the Arrest and Judicial Proceedings
The accused officer, identified as Devraj Meena, was promptly produced before the ACB court in Kota on Wednesday. The court has remanded him to judicial custody until February 10, pending further legal proceedings. According to DSP (ACB) Harish Bharti, Meena was stationed at the Hindoli panchayat samiti in Bundi district, where he allegedly engaged in corrupt practices.
Bharti elaborated that Meena, acting on behalf of development officer Piyush Jain, had demanded a bribe of Rs 35,000. This illicit payment was solicited for the inspection of the Badgaon gram panchayat, which had been conducted earlier. The ACB sprang into action after receiving a formal complaint from the village development officer of Badgaon gram panchayat, leading to a thorough verification process and a meticulously planned trap operation.
Development Officer Flees as ACB Moves In
In a dramatic turn of events, development officer Piyush Jain managed to escape from the office upon sensing the presence of ACB personnel. His sudden flight has raised serious questions about his involvement in the bribery scheme. The DSP confirmed that Jain's role in the matter is currently under intense investigation, with authorities working to ascertain the full extent of his culpability.
The ACB has registered a case against Devraj Meena under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, underscoring the legal gravity of the offense. Further investigation is actively underway to uncover any additional layers of corruption and potential accomplices. This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to combat corruption in public offices, particularly in panchayat systems where transparency is crucial for community development.
Local residents and officials have expressed concern over such incidents, calling for stricter oversight and ethical training for government employees. The ACB's swift action in this case is being hailed as a positive step towards ensuring accountability and integrity in rural administration across the region.
