In a significant anti-corruption operation, a medical officer stationed at Roorkee Civil Hospital was apprehended by state vigilance officials while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. The incident highlights the ongoing crackdown on corrupt practices among government employees in Uttarakhand.
The Trap and Arrest
The accused has been identified as Dr Abhay Singh, a native of Ara in Bihar. He had recently joined the Roorkee hospital earlier this month after being transferred from Mussoorie. The Vigilance Establishment Uttarakhand (VEU) sprung into action after a local resident filed a formal complaint last week.
The complainant alleged that Dr Singh had demanded money in exchange for issuing a supplementary medico-legal report. This report was needed for a police case registered under charges of voluntarily causing hurt. Initially, the doctor reportedly asked for Rs 30,000. Following negotiations, the amount was settled at Rs 20,000 to be paid upfront, with the balance to be given later.
Operation and Aftermath
Based on the complaint, vigilance officials meticulously planned a trap. Late on Saturday night, the moment the complainant handed over the chemically treated currency notes worth Rs 20,000 to Dr Singh, the vigilance team moved in and caught him red-handed. The accused was immediately taken into custody.
He was subsequently brought to Dehradun, where he was produced before the designated court for legal proceedings. This swift action underscores the department's commitment to acting on citizen complaints.
A Persistent Problem and a Public Appeal
Vigilance officials confirmed that cases of corruption involving government employees continue to emerge across Uttarakhand. They revealed a stark statistic: since 2010, the VEU has trapped more than 253 government officials. The year 2024 marked a peak, with over 36 officials caught. Already in the current year, more than 20 officials have been apprehended in similar stings.
Appealing to the public for continued support, VEU director Dr V Murugesan stated, "We urge citizens to come forward whenever any government official demands a bribe. The identity of complainants is kept strictly confidential, and swift action is taken on every complaint." This assurance aims to build public trust and encourage more people to report corrupt demands without fear.
