In a significant anti-graft operation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from Bhuj has apprehended a senior official associated with a primary consumer credit cooperative society in Kutch district. The official was caught in the act while allegedly accepting a substantial bribe.
The Sting Operation Details
Ghanshyam Patel, who serves as the honorary secretary and executive committee member of the Nakhatrana Taluka Panchayat Primary Consumer Credit Cooperative Society, was trapped by ACB officials on a road in Bhuj. According to Assistant Director KH Gohil of the ACB's border unit in Bhuj, the bribe amount was a staggering Rs 2.80 lakh.
The case originated from a complaint filed by a private company. This company had supplied goods to the cooperative society based in Nakhatrana. Patel allegedly demanded the bribe to clear pending bills related to the supply, which totalled Rs 7.52 lakh. Frustrated by the demand, the supplier approached the ACB, which then laid a meticulous trap.
Caught in the Act
During the carefully planned operation, ACB officials monitored as Patel engaged in a conversation with the complainant regarding the demand. He subsequently accepted the marked currency notes. The officials moved in immediately and recovered the entire bribe amount of Rs 2.80 lakh from his possession.
Investigations revealed a dual role for the accused. Apart from his position in the cooperative society, Ghanshyam Patel is currently employed as a class-III head teacher at Shri Mathal Primary School in Nakhatrana taluka of Kutch. This adds a layer of concern regarding the breach of trust in two public-facing roles.
Implications and Ongoing Probe
The successful trap underscores the ACB's continued vigilance against corruption at the grassroots level, particularly in institutions meant for public welfare like cooperative societies. The arrest of a figure holding positions in both education and local governance sends a strong message against malfeasance.
The ACB has registered a case and is conducting further investigations into the matter. The focus will likely be on establishing the full extent of the alleged demand and ensuring legal proceedings follow. This incident highlights the challenges of corruption in clearing official dues and the mechanisms available for citizens to report such extortion.
