Surat ACB Nabs Milk Auditor and Accomplice in Rs 15,000 Bribery Case
The Surat unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) made a significant arrest on Friday, apprehending a milk auditor and his aide for allegedly soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000 from a milk cooperative located in a Tapi district village. This incident highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption at the grassroots level in Gujarat.
Details of the Accused and Their Roles
The primary accused has been identified as Dharmesh Vasava, who holds the position of Auditor Grade 2 (Milk) under the Special Auditor at the Milk Audit Office in Surat. Vasava, a Class 3 government officer, is entrusted with responsibilities in the Songadh district and earns a monthly salary of Rs 55,400 from the state government. His accomplice is Jetal Gamit, who allegedly acted as an intermediary in the bribery scheme.
How the Bribery Unfolded
According to ACB officials, the bribe was demanded in exchange for submitting the final audit report to the village cooperative. Investigators revealed that the audit report had already been prepared and contained no discrepancies, making the demand for payment particularly egregious. The transaction took place on a public road in Unchamal village near Vyara, where Gamit accepted the Rs 15,000 after consulting with Vasava.
ACB's Swift Action and Arrests
ACB Inspector K J Dhaduk and his team conducted a meticulous operation, catching Gamit red-handed while accepting the bribe money. Following this, Vasava was arrested subsequently as part of the investigation. ACB Assistant Director R R Chaudhary stated that the accused allegedly sought the bribe before handing over the audit report, exploiting their official positions for personal gain.
Broader Implications and Anti-Corruption Efforts
This case underscores the persistent challenges of corruption in administrative processes, even in sectors like dairy cooperatives that are vital to rural economies. The ACB's proactive stance in Surat demonstrates a commitment to rooting out such malpractices, sending a strong message against unethical behavior among public servants. Authorities continue to investigate to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
