BJP MP exposes corruption: Bribe returned in 10 mins

Rajkot, Gujarat — In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through Gujarat’s administrative circles, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Mokaria has once again emerged as a vocal crusader against corruption, this time directly confronting an official from the Rajkot Weights and Measures Department and forcing the immediate return of a hefty bribe. This incident, described by Mokaria himself as a direct intervention, highlight a deep-seated issue of graft plaguing government departments and has reignited calls for greater transparency and accountability.

The explosive incident unfolded on June 3, when MP Mokaria received a distressed call from a social leader and factory owner in Rajkot. The businessman was allegedly being harassed by a government official during a routine check. “I told him to hand the phone to the official,” Mokaria recounted, identifying the officer as Bansilal Chauhan from the Weights and Measures Department. “I instructed him to take the standard fine as per the rules, but under no circumstances to harass the businessman.”

Just ten minutes later, the businessman called back. While the official had indeed imposed a fine of ₹12,000, he had also illicitly demanded and taken an additional ₹25,000 as a bribe. Incensed, Mokaria immediately telephoned Officer Chauhan again. “I reminded him that I had specifically told him not to harass the businessman, yet he had taken extra money,” Mokaria stated, his voice laced with indignation. “The officer admitted his mistake. I then told him in no uncertain terms to return the money to the businessman, and he did so within ten minutes.”

This audacious act of direct intervention by a public representative has been hailed by many as a powerful example of holding corrupt officials accountable. However, Mokaria acknowledged the prevailing fear among traders to report such incidents. “My request to the people of Rajkot and others is that if any government office or any place asks for money for doing the right thing, then you should file a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau,” he appealed. “And if any representation comes before me, it will be resolved. My business friends also, if they are being harassed like this, should come forward. The bribe-taking officer should be given a strict exemplary punishment, so that such officers think before asking for bribe from businessmen next time.”

This is not the first time MP Mokaria has publicly exposed the rot within the system. A year prior, he famously revealed the bureaucratic hurdles and corruption he faced in getting his own building plan approved. He recounted having to pay ₹70,000 to a fire officer for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for his 27,000 square-yard land, despite it being non-agricultural and suitable for residential or commercial projects. “Who in the municipal corporation does not take money? Who in the collector does not take money?” Mokaria had questioned then, highlighting the pervasive nature of corruption. “Everyone is suffering. If there is land worth ₹200 crores and the work is stopped… you have to give it for the plan, right? These people take money from everyone for the NOC. Ask the builder association?”