Ahmedabad ACB Apprehends Trio in Aadhaar Card Bribery Operation
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Ahmedabad successfully caught three persons red-handed on Wednesday while they were allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 32,000. The illicit transaction was intended to facilitate the issuance of a new Aadhaar card at a civic facility in the city.
Complaint Leads to Sting Operation at Jan Seva Kendra
According to ACB officials, the operation was meticulously planned following a complaint from a vigilant citizen. The complainant had visited a civic centre in the Saraspur area to apply for a new Aadhaar card, where he was reportedly asked to pay a bribe for the service. Unwilling to comply, the individual approached the Ahmedabad city ACB police station, which verified the allegations and set up a trap.
The sting was executed at the Jan Seva Kendra, located within the collector's office premises. Police revealed that the initial bribe demand was Rs 25,000, but it was later escalated by an additional Rs 7,000, bringing the total to Rs 32,000. This increase highlights the audacity of the accused in exploiting citizens seeking essential government services.
Details of the Bribery Scheme and Arrests
During the operation, the prime accused allegedly demanded the bribe on behalf of another staff member, while a third person accepted the cash as per instructions. ACB officials swiftly intervened and recovered the entire bribe amount of Rs 32,000 from the accused at the scene.
The arrested individuals include two contract-based staffers: one working as a peon at a civic centre and another serving as a computer operator at an urban health centre. Additionally, a private individual, who allegedly acted as a conduit in collecting the money, was also apprehended. This trio's involvement underscores the collaborative nature of such corrupt practices within public service facilities.
Implications for Governance and Public Trust
This incident sheds light on the persistent challenges of corruption in India's administrative systems, particularly in services like Aadhaar card issuance that are crucial for citizens. The ACB's prompt action demonstrates a commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in government operations. It serves as a stern warning to those attempting to misuse their positions for personal gain, while also encouraging the public to report such malpractices.
The case is now under further investigation, with authorities likely to pursue legal action against the accused to ensure justice is served and deter future occurrences of similar corruption.
