Village Development Officer Apprehended in Jhalawar Bribery Case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Jhalawar has made a significant arrest, taking into custody a village development officer (VDO) on Wednesday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,400. The accused, identified as Rajni Meena, who was posted as VDO at Mau Borda gram panchayat under the Khanpur panchayat samiti in Jhalawar district, was caught red-handed while receiving the illicit payment from a complainant.
Complaint and Allegations
According to ACB Additional Superintendent of Police Prerna Shekhawat, the complaint was formally lodged on April 10 by a member of a local social organisation. The complainant detailed that the organisation had organised a mass wedding ceremony for 26–27 couples on February 16 in Dhanod Khurd panchayat, conducted without any government financial assistance.
The VDO allegedly demanded Rs 500 per marriage certificate for the couples involved and instructed the organisation to pay approximately Rs 13,500 to process all the certificates. A discreet verification carried out on the same day confirmed the illicit demand, setting the stage for further action.
Trap Operation and Arrest
During subsequent negotiations, the accused reportedly agreed to accept a reduced amount of Rs 400 per certificate for 26 couples, totalling Rs 10,400. She then called the complainant to her office on Wednesday, requesting the cash along with the necessary documents.
An ACB team promptly laid a trap and apprehended the VDO while she was in the act of accepting the bribe. This operation highlights the bureau's commitment to tackling corruption at the grassroots level.
Legal Proceedings
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is currently underway to uncover any additional details or potential accomplices. This arrest serves as a stern warning against corrupt practices in public service.
