Surat ACB Books SMC Engineer and History-Sheeter in Rs 21 Lakh Bribery Scandal
The Surat zonal unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has taken decisive action by booking Vipul Ganeshwala, an executive engineer (Class I) of the Limbayat zone within the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), on charges of allegedly demanding a substantial bribe of Rs 21 lakh from a local businessman. This case, registered on Friday, has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting ongoing issues with corruption in municipal affairs.
Details of the Alleged Bribery Scheme
According to official case details, the complainant, a businessman, owns a plot in the Santosh Sub-Industrial plotting scheme located in Limbayat. The trouble began when he received a notice from an SMC official on November 10, which imposed a prohibition order on construction activities for his plots. Subsequently, on February 13, a notice was posted at the construction site, and demolition work commenced, with the SMC collecting Rs 1,70,000 as demolition charges.
However, in a twist, the demolition was abruptly halted at the instruction of Vipul Ganeshwala. It is alleged that Ganeshwala then sent Ismail Pathan, also known as Parwana, to the businessman. Pathan, a history-sheeter with a criminal record in Limbayat and Puna, met the complainant multiple times, demanding Rs 21 lakh on behalf of Ganeshwala to permanently stop the demolition. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to Rs 15 lakh, with an agreement to pay Rs 4 lakh on Thursday and the remaining Rs 11 lakh by the following Monday.
The ACB Trap and Dramatic Escape
Frustrated by the extortion, the businessman contacted the ACB, which promptly laid a trap to catch the culprits. As per the plan, the businessman was directed to pay the first tranche of the bribe at the office of Ismail Pathan in the Shantinagar area. Pathan, who runs a newspaper called Nishaksha Gujarat and claims to be a journalist, called the businessman to his office on Thursday night.
At the office, after allegedly speaking to Ganeshwala on the phone, Pathan accepted Rs 4 lakh from the businessman. However, sensing that an ACB trap had been set, Pathan quickly asked for the complainant's moped keys and fled with the cash, making a dramatic escape. An ACB official stated, "Pathan sensed a trap had been laid and asked the complainant for his moped keys. He then fled with the bribe money. Pathan, who claims to be a journalist, is a history-sheeter with cases registered against him in Limbayat and Puna. The Surat police commissioner had also jailed him under PASA in 2024."
Legal Actions and Ongoing Search
Following this incident, the ACB registered a case against both Vipul Ganeshwala and Ismail Pathan under the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Surat ACB police station on Friday. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive search for the accused, who are currently at large. This case underscores the ACB's commitment to combating corruption in public offices and serves as a stern warning to those involved in such illicit activities.
The involvement of a municipal engineer and a history-sheeter in this bribery plot raises serious concerns about the integrity of local governance and the need for stricter oversight. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, potentially leading to further legal repercussions for those implicated.
