The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Surat has successfully trapped and arrested a senior clerk of the state-run power utility, Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (DGVCL), along with his accomplice for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 70,000. The accused official had demanded the money in exchange for providing a commercial electricity connection to a complainant.
Details of the Bribery Trap
The accused has been identified as Santosh Sonavane, who served as a senior clerk in the Kathor sub-division of DGVCL. According to the ACB, Sonavane had demanded the bribe from a complainant to facilitate the process of getting a commercial power connection. Tired of the persistent demand, the complainant approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint.
Instead of collecting the money himself, Sonavane allegedly sent his aide, Bharat Savaliya, a labour contractor, to collect the illicit cash. The ACB team laid a trap and caught Savaliya red-handed while he was accepting the bribe amount of Rs 70,000. The transaction took place near Swagat Nursery, which is located close to the busy Kamrej toll plaza in Surat.
The ACB Operation and Officials Involved
The entire anti-corruption operation was led by ACB Police Inspector R K Solanki. The team worked under the direct supervision of ACB Assistant Director R R Chaudhary. Their coordinated efforts ensured that the bribe exchange was intercepted at the right moment, leading to the immediate arrest of the conduit, Savaliya. Following his arrest, the main accused, clerk Santosh Sonavane, was also taken into custody.
This case highlights the vigilance of Gujarat's Anti-Corruption Bureau in tackling corruption at the grassroots level, especially within essential public service departments. The ACB's prompt action based on the complainant's tip-off demonstrates a robust mechanism to address grievances against public servants.
Implications and Broader Message
The arrest of a DGVCL official on bribery charges sends a strong message against corruption in government departments. DGVCL, being a major electricity distribution company, handles numerous connection requests daily. Such corrupt practices not only harass citizens but also tarnish the image of public sector undertakings.
The ACB has registered a case against both individuals under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the accused were involved in similar malpractices in the past. This incident serves as a reminder for public servants to adhere to ethical conduct and for citizens to report any demands for bribes to the authorities without fear.
