Jashpur, Chhattisgarh |In a significant action against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested an In-Charge Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the Rural Engineering Services (RES) Department in Jashpur district while allegedly accepting a bribe from a complainant.
The accused official, identified as Sanjay Diwakar, was caught red-handed at his residence in Madhuban Toli, Jashpur, during a carefully planned trap operation conducted by ACB officials.
Bribe Allegedly Demanded for MGNREGA Project Approval
According to ACB officials, the complaint was filed by Rituram Yadav, former Deputy Sarpanch of Kaprol Gram Panchayat in the Manora Development Block.
Yadav alleged that during his tenure in 2022–23, a Gabion Structure was constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Although the construction work had been completed, the process of evaluation, verification, and payment approval remained pending for an extended period.
The complainant claimed that the delay was intentionally caused by the accused official.
Initial Demand of ₹70,000 Bribe
According to the complaint, Sanjay Diwakar initially demanded ₹70,000 in exchange for conducting the required evaluation of the completed project.
When the demanded amount was not paid, the official allegedly kept the evaluation process pending for nearly six months. After repeated requests and follow-ups by the complainant, the accused reportedly reduced the bribe demand to ₹50,000.
Faced with continuous delays and administrative hurdles, the complainant alleged that he eventually paid the amount to ensure that the project evaluation was completed.
Fresh Bribe Demand for Verification and Payment Release
Despite the evaluation being completed, the process for final verification and release of payment allegedly remained stalled.
The complainant further accused the officer of demanding an additional ₹30,000 bribe to complete the verification process and facilitate the release of pending payments related to the MGNREGA project.
Frustrated by the repeated demands for illegal payments, the former Deputy Sarpanch approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and submitted a formal complaint detailing the alleged misconduct.
ACB Conducts Successful Trap Operation
After verifying the complaint and gathering preliminary evidence, ACB officials designed a strategic trap operation to catch the accused in the act.
As part of the operation, the complainant was instructed to deliver the demanded bribe amount to the officer. ACB personnel remained stationed nearby and closely monitored the transaction.
Officials stated that as soon as Sanjay Diwakar accepted the money at his residence, the ACB team immediately moved in and apprehended him.
The alleged bribe amount was recovered from the accused during the operation, providing crucial evidence in the case.
Case Registered Under Anti-Corruption Laws
Following the arrest, the Anti-Corruption Bureau registered a case against the accused under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Investigators are now examining the case in greater detail to determine whether other individuals were involved and whether similar incidents may have occurred in the past.
Statewide Crackdown on Corruption Continues
The arrest is part of the ongoing anti-corruption campaign being conducted across Chhattisgarh by agencies such as the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
Authorities have intensified efforts to combat bribery and misuse of public office, particularly in departments handling government development projects and welfare schemes.
Officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that further legal action will be taken based on the findings.
The successful operation serves as another strong message from law enforcement agencies that corruption and bribery in public offices will not be tolerated, and those found guilty will face strict legal consequences.