In a decisive operation, the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Rohtak has arrested a patwari, Suresh Kumar, for accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. The arrest was made after a formal complaint was lodged by a resident who needed land record updates for a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan.
Background of the Case
The complainant approached the ACB office in Rohtak with a grievance against Patwari Suresh Kumar, posted at the Lakhan Majra tehsil. The complainant alleged that despite submitting all necessary documents, the patwari was demanding an illegal gratification of Rs 1.2 lakh to perform his official duty—making entries in offline land records and verifying them by signing the documents. The bribe was sought as a precondition to process the land record updates required for availing a KCC loan.
Operation and Arrest
After verifying the complaint, the ACB team laid a trap. During the operation, Patwari Suresh Kumar was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 1 lakh from the complainant. The entire bribe amount was recovered from the spot. The accused was immediately taken into custody.
Legal Action
A case has been registered at the Anti-Corruption Bureau police station, Rohtak, under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The ACB spokesman confirmed that legal proceedings against the accused are being initiated under the provisions of the act. The spokesman further stated, 'As part of his official duty, the patwari was required to make entries in the offline land records and verify them by signing the documents. However, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 1.2 lakh as a bribe in exchange for carrying out the official work. After verifying the complaint, the bureau team laid a trap. During the operation, Patwari Suresh Kumar was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 1 lakh from the complainant. The entire bribe amount was recovered from the spot.'
Impact and Significance
The arrest underscores the vigilance department's commitment to curbing corruption in public offices, especially in land record management, which directly affects farmers and their access to credit. The KCC loan scheme is crucial for agricultural financing, and any delay or demand for bribe can severely impact farmers' livelihoods. The ACB's swift action serves as a deterrent to other officials engaging in corrupt practices.
