In a significant crackdown on corruption in educational institutions, the Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested a trustee and a security guard of a prominent Ahmedabad college for allegedly demanding a hefty bribe to release the rightful pension and dues of a retired principal.
The Bribe Demand for Retirement Benefits
The ACB identified the accused as Timir Vinu Amin, a trustee of the M M Patel College of Education in Ahmedabad, and Muralimanohar Ramlalji Jandol, a security guard posted at the Pankaj Vidyalaya in Gulbai Tekra. The case revolves around a complaint filed by the former in-charge principal of the college, who had retired from service.
According to the ACB's official statement, the retired official was struggling to receive his final settlement, which included his pension, general provident fund, and leave encashment amount. Trustee Timir Amin allegedly approached the complainant and sought a bribe of Rs 5 lakh to facilitate the release of these legitimate funds. Shockingly, even after accepting an advance of Rs 2 lakh from the former principal, Amin pressed for the remaining Rs 3 lakh.
The ACB Trap and Red-Handed Catch
After being harassed for the remaining bribe amount, the complainant decided to approach the Anti-Corruption Bureau and file a formal complaint. The ACB team, led by Inspector R I Parmar, swiftly laid a trap to catch the accused.
The plan was set into motion on Wednesday. As instructed by trustee Timir Amin, the complainant was asked to hand over the balance of Rs 3 lakh to the second accused, security guard Muralimanohar Jandol. Acting on behalf of Amin, Jandol engaged in a conversation with the complainant at the designated spot and accepted the cash. The ACB team immediately moved in and caught Jandol red-handed with the bribe money.
Broader Implications and Zero Tolerance
This case highlights the audacious nature of corruption, where individuals in positions of trust within educational institutes exploit retired employees. The arrest of a college trustee, a figure expected to uphold institutional integrity, for allegedly extorting a retired principal is particularly egregious.
The Gujarat ACB's action sends a strong message about its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, even in the education sector. Both accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The bureau's prompt response, from registering the complaint to executing the trap, underscores its commitment to protecting citizens from such predatory practices and ensuring that hard-earned retirement benefits are not held hostage for bribes.
