In one of the largest anti-corruption operations by the Uttar Pradesh vigilance establishment in recent months, five individuals, including four government officials, were arrested on Thursday for allegedly accepting bribes amounting to Rs 1.34 lakh in three separate incidents across Hapur, Kannauj and Baghpat.
First Case: Stenographer Arrested in Hapur
The vigilance establishment's Meerut sector team apprehended Jaideep, a stenographer in the office of the assistant commissioner, state tax division-4, Hapur, while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 24,000. The complainant, a businessman, reported that Jaideep had contacted him and offered to waive his tax liability of Rs 48,000 in exchange for half that amount. Following the trader's complaint, vigilance officials set a trap and arrested Jaideep.
Second Case: Sub-Registrar and Private Individual Held in Kannauj
In Kannauj, the Kanpur sector of the vigilance establishment arrested Ashwin Kumar Verma, sub-registrar at Sadar tehsil, and Jitendra Kumar Kushwaha, a private individual, while they were allegedly accepting Rs 60,000 as a bribe. Officials stated that the complainant alleged the duo demanded the bribe for processing the registration of agricultural land in Kandroli Bangar village. Despite the land registration being legitimate, the complainant was coerced into paying the illegal gratification. After verification, a trap was laid, leading to the arrest of both Verma and Kushwaha.
Third Case: District Supply Officer and Regional Food Officer Arrested in Baghpat
In Baghpat, district supply officer Anup Tiwari and regional food officer Jogendra Singh were arrested for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a ration dealer. The vigilance establishment has appealed to citizens to report any instances of bribery by public servants. Complaints can be lodged on the anti-corruption helpline number 9454401866.
