In a dramatic operation on Friday, the vigilance department conducted a raid at the district food supply office in Haridwar. Officials arrested District Supply Officer Shyam Arya on the spot. He was allegedly accepting a bribe from a local ration dealer at the time of his capture.
Dealer's Complaint Triggers Action
Vigilance officials revealed that the ration dealer had filed a formal complaint just a few days before the raid. The dealer accused Arya of demanding money to clear his pending documents. This complaint set the stage for the carefully planned sting operation.
License Suspension Led to Demand
Sources close to the investigation provided more context. The dealer's trade license had been suspended recently. He then approached DSO Shyam Arya seeking clearance and reinstatement. Instead of helping, the official allegedly demanded several lakhs of rupees as a bribe for his assistance.
Caught in the Act
Vigilance team members caught Arya red-handed while he was accepting Rs 50,000 from the complainant. The arrest happened during the transaction, leaving no doubt about the corrupt activity. Authorities also arrested Gaurav Sharma, Arya's assistant, in connection with the case.
Documents Seized During Raid
Following the arrests, the vigilance team seized multiple documents from the office. The raid continued for several hours as officials gathered evidence. Investigators are examining the seized materials to build a strong case against the accused officials.
Official Response and Next Steps
Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit confirmed receiving information about the raid. He stated that his office is collecting further details from the department involved. A formal case has not been registered yet, but officials indicate this will happen soon once the initial investigation concludes.
The vigilance department's action sends a strong message against corruption in government offices. Local residents have expressed relief that such operations are taking place. Many hope this arrest will deter other officials from engaging in similar illegal activities.
