ACB Sting Operation Leads to Arrest of Patwari and Canteen Operator in Bribery Case
In a significant crackdown on corruption, joint teams from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Sonipat and Rohtak conducted a successful operation on Monday, apprehending a woman patwari and a canteen operator red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. The incident unfolded in the Kharkhoda area of Sonipat district, highlighting ongoing issues in land administration.
Bribe Demanded for Land Ownership File Clearance
The bribe was allegedly demanded in exchange for clearing a file related to land ownership rights. According to ACB officials, the patwari explicitly told the complainant that "no work gets done here without money," a statement that underscores the brazen nature of the corruption. Disturbed by this demand, the complainant, identified as Anil from Sisana village, approached the ACB and lodged a formal complaint, setting the stage for the sting operation.
ACB Lays Trap and Makes Arrests
Acting swiftly on the complaint, the ACB laid a trap to catch the accused in the act. In a twist to the case, the patwari reportedly did not take the bribe directly. Instead, she sent a canteen operator from her office to collect the money. As soon as the canteen operator handed over the bribe amount to the patwari, the ACB team raided the spot and arrested both individuals. ACB Inspector Jagjit Singh confirmed the details of the operation, noting the meticulous planning involved.
Background of the Land Ownership Case
The complainant, Anil, had applied for ownership rights of a 450-square-yard panchayat plot. His family had been in possession of the land for nearly 25 years, making them eligible under the Haryana government's ownership rights scheme. This scheme allows people occupying land for 20 years or more to get the property registered by depositing the prescribed government fee, a process that should be straightforward but was allegedly hindered by corruption.
Key Points of the Operation:- Joint ACB teams from Sonipat and Rohtak executed the operation.
- Bribe amount involved was Rs 20,000, demanded for file clearance.
- Patwari used a canteen operator as an intermediary to collect the money.
- Both accused were arrested on the spot during the handover.
- Case relates to land ownership rights under a government scheme.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by citizens in navigating bureaucratic processes and the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat corruption in public offices. The ACB's proactive stance in responding to complaints and conducting such operations serves as a deterrent to corrupt practices, aiming to restore trust in governance systems.
