Surat ACB Nabs Fisheries Officer in Bribery Sting Operation
The Surat unit of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) made a significant arrest on Monday, apprehending a fisheries officer for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 6,000. The incident occurred in Ukai, located in the Tapi district, where the officer was targeting a beneficiary of a government scheme.
Allegations of Systematic Corruption in Subsidy Processing
According to official sources, the ACB had received credible information indicating that staff members at the office of the assistant fisheries controller in Ukai were engaged in corrupt practices. They were allegedly demanding bribes ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 from beneficiaries seeking subsidies under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The illicit payments were reportedly solicited to expedite the processing of applications for subsidies related to the purchase of bikes and insulated boxes under this central government scheme aimed at boosting fisheries development.
Elaborate Trap Leads to Red-Handed Capture
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, ACB officials coordinated with a beneficiary under the PMMSY scheme to set up a meticulous trap. During their communications, the accused officer allegedly demanded a specific sum of Rs 6,000 to process the subsidy documents for the purchased bike and insulated box.
The operation was executed under the direct supervision of Police Inspector K J Dhaduk. In a carefully orchestrated sting, the officer was caught red-handed accepting the bribe at his office in Ukai, leaving no room for denial.
Identity of the Accused and Legal Proceedings
R R Chaudhary, the assistant director of the ACB Surat unit, identified the arrested individual as Tejas Chaudhary. He was serving as an assistant fisheries superintendent at the office of the assistant fisheries controller, Inland Fisheries Development Centre in Tapi district.
An official offence has been registered against Tejas Chaudhary under the stringent provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation is currently underway to uncover any further details or potential accomplices in this case.
Broader Implications for Governance and Scheme Integrity
This arrest highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and integrity in the implementation of government welfare schemes like the PMMSY. The ACB's proactive action serves as a stern warning against corruption, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding public funds and supporting genuine beneficiaries.
The case underscores the critical need for continuous vigilance and robust anti-corruption mechanisms to prevent such malpractices, which can undermine the objectives of developmental programs and erode public trust in administrative processes.
