The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a startling revelation in a special court, alleging that a senior Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, while serving as a district collector, had established fixed rates for bribes and claimed a 50% share from the illicit earnings. This explosive claim forms a critical part of the federal agency's money laundering probe linked to a wider corruption scandal.
ED's Explosive Charges in the Corruption Case
According to the submissions made by the ED before the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ahmedabad, the officer was deeply involved in a well-organized corruption network. The agency's prosecution complaint, which is equivalent to a chargesheet, details how the accused bureaucrat systematically demanded bribes for official favors during his tenure as a collector. The ED's case stems from an earlier FIR filed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Gujarat, which initially uncovered the alleged bribery racket.
The central investigation agency told the court that the modus operandi was highly structured. The IAS officer, leveraging his powerful position as the district's administrative head, had predetermined the bribe amounts for various services and clearances. This 'rate card' for corruption ensured a steady flow of illegal money. Furthermore, the ED alleged that the officer was not acting alone but was part of a larger syndicate where the collected bribes were shared among accomplices.
The 50% Share and Money Laundering Network
One of the most damning allegations is the specific profit-sharing model. The ED informed the judge that the accused officer used to take a 50% share from the total bribe money collected. The remaining half was allegedly distributed among other participants in the scheme, which included intermediaries and possibly other officials. This detail paints a picture of a calculated and greedy operation run from a top administrative office.
The probe has now shifted to tracing the proceeds of this crime. The Enforcement Directorate is focusing on how the ill-gotten money was laundered and invested in various assets to give it a legitimate appearance. This includes investigating properties, bank transactions, and other financial holdings linked to the officer and his associates. The money laundering case adds a severe financial crime dimension to the existing corruption charges.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Implications
The IAS officer, whose identity is known from the source report, is already facing legal action. The ED's prosecution complaint seeks the court to take cognizance of the money laundering offenses based on the predicate offense of corruption registered by the ACB. This development signifies an intensification of the legal battle against the accused bureaucrat.
This case has sent shockwaves through the administrative circles in Gujarat and highlights the persistent challenge of corruption at high levels of governance. It raises serious questions about accountability and the mechanisms to check the misuse of power by civil servants occupying sensitive posts. The allegation that a district collector, the key representative of the state government in a district, operated a bribery 'rate card' undermines public trust in the administration.
The court's upcoming decisions on the ED's complaint will be crucial. If it takes cognizance, the officer will face a full trial under the stringent PMLA, which carries severe penalties including imprisonment and asset confiscation. The case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of corruption and the increasing scrutiny by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate on the financial dealings of public servants.
