Udaipur Forest Guards Caught Red-Handed in Bribery Sting
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Dungarpur Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested two forest guards on Monday while they were allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 80,000. The incident took place at the forest checkpoint located in Katravas, within the Khairwada area of Udaipur, Rajasthan.
The accused have been identified as Mahesh Kumar Meena and Vijesh Ahari. Their arrest followed a formal complaint lodged by a local timber businessman, leading to a meticulously planned trap by the ACB team.
The Complaint and the ACB Trap
The case unfolded when a complainant, who operates a timber business, approached the Dungarpur ACB. He reported that on November 29, he and his business partner had dispatched two trucks loaded with Eucalyptus and Semal wood to Khairwada. The consignment was accompanied by all valid permits and bills.
According to the complaint, employees of the forest department stopped the trucks at the checkpoint. The complainant alleged that the forest guards, later identified as Meena and Ahari, demanded a bribe to release the vehicles without taking any legal action against them.
After verifying the allegations, the ACB swung into action. A team was formed under the leadership of Dungarpur ACB in-charge Deputy Superintendent Ratan Singh Rajpurohit. On Monday, the team laid a trap and successfully caught both accused forest guards in the act of accepting the illicit cash payment.
Broader Implications for Governance and Forestry
This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by Rajasthan's anti-corruption agencies to curb malpractices, especially in departments that interact frequently with the public and businesses. The forest department, responsible for regulating timber movement and protecting natural resources, is a critical frontline agency.
Incidents of bribery at checkpoints not only undermine the rule of law but also contribute to illegal logging and transportation of forest produce. The swift action by the Dungarpur ACB sends a strong message about zero tolerance for corruption in the state.
The accused were apprehended with the marked currency notes, which will serve as crucial evidence in the legal proceedings to follow. They are expected to be charged under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
This case serves as a reminder for citizens to report corrupt practices and cooperate with authorities, as demonstrated by the timber businessman. It also underscores the need for systemic reforms and vigilance within departmental checkpoints to prevent such extortion attempts.
