In a significant crackdown on corruption at the grassroots level, the Lokayukta police in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone district apprehended a patwari on Friday for allegedly accepting a bribe. The official was caught red-handed while taking an installment of Rs 25,000, which was part of a larger demanded sum for processing a land mutation.
The Trap and The Arrest
According to Indore Lokayukta SP Rajesh Sahay, the arrest followed a formal complaint by Bachchu Chauhan, a resident of Khariya village in Maheshwar tehsil. The complainant alleged that the accused patwari, Chhatar Singh Chauhan, had demanded a whopping Rs one lakh to mutate agricultural land records in his favor.
After some negotiation, the government official reportedly agreed to reduce the illegal fee to Rs 50,000. Acting swiftly on the complaint, a dedicated team from the Lokayukta office orchestrated a precise trap. They caught Chhatar Singh Chauhan in the act as he accepted the first installment of the bribe, amounting to Rs 25,000.
Details of the Corruption Case
The incident highlights the persistent issue of corruption in land and revenue departments, where officials often exploit citizens seeking essential services. Patwaris, being the ground-level revenue officials, hold significant power in matters of land records, making them susceptible to such corrupt practices.
The Lokayukta police's successful operation in Maheshwar tehsil demonstrates the agency's commitment to tackling administrative corruption. By setting up a sting operation based on a citizen's complaint, they have sent a strong message against such malfeasance.
Broader Implications and Public Response
This arrest is likely to resonate with many citizens in rural and semi-urban areas who frequently face similar demands for bribes for basic government services. It underscores the importance of robust anti-corruption bodies and the courage of individuals who come forward to file complaints.
The case has been registered, and further legal proceedings are underway against the arrested patwari. Such actions are crucial for restoring public trust in governance and ensuring that essential services like land mutation are delivered transparently and without illegal costs.
