The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has escalated its probe into a significant alleged corruption scandal in the Surendranagar district by constituting a dedicated Special Investigation Team (SIT). This move targets accusations of widespread bribery and manipulation within the district collectorate, specifically concerning Change of Land Use (CLU) applications.
SIT Constituted to Unearth Deep-Rooted Corruption
On Monday, January 6, 2026, ACB Director Piyush Patel officially formed a six-member SIT to lead the investigation. The team will operate under the direct supervision of Additional Director Bipin Ahire. Its primary mandate is to thoroughly investigate allegations of bribery and the accumulation of disproportionate assets against the accused officials.
The SIT comprises senior officers from across the region, ensuring a multi-jurisdictional approach. The members include Deputy Director (Admin) Bharti J Pandya, in-charge Assistant Director (Rajkot) KH Gohil, Assistant Director (HQ) RB Desai, ACB Inspector DN Patel from Ahmedabad, ACB Inspector MD Patel from Surendranagar, and ACB Inspector PA Dekavadiya from Morbi.
The Accused and the Initial FIR
The ACB's action follows the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on December 23, 2025, at the Surendranagar ACB police station. The FIR booked four individuals under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act:
- Rajendrakumar Mahendra Patel (Class-1 officer), the former Collector of Surendranagar and a 2015-batch IAS officer.
- Chandrasinh Bhupatsinh Mori (Class-3), Deputy Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate.
- Mayur Gohil (Class-3), a Clerk.
- Jayrajsinh Vala (Class-3), Personal Assistant to the Collector.
The case revolves around suspected large-scale corruption in processing CLU applications at the district collectorate, a process crucial for land development.
Parallel ED Action and Suspension of IAS Officer
Concurrently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a parallel money laundering investigation. Since the ACB's FIR also cites offences that constitute scheduled crimes under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED filed an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR 43/2025) on the same day, December 23.
The ED's probe has been swift. It arrested Deputy Mamlatdar Chandrasinh Mori, secured a seven-day remand, and later sent him to judicial custody on January 7. Subsequently, the ED also arrested former Collector Rajendrakumar Patel and obtained a five-day remand from the court.
Following his arrest and remand exceeding 48 hours, the Gujarat General Administration Department (GAD) issued an order on January 4, 2026. The order stated that IAS officer Rajendrakumar Patel is "deemed to have been placed under suspension" effective from January 2, 2026, under the All India Services rules. Patel had already been transferred out of Surendranagar on December 24, 2025, and his services were placed at the GAD's disposal.
This case marks a significant crackdown on alleged administrative corruption in Gujarat, with both the ACB and ED coordinating efforts. The formation of the SIT indicates the seriousness with which the state anti-corruption agency is treating the allegations of systemic malpractice in Surendranagar's land use approvals.
