Surat Municipal Corporation Employees Caught Accepting 40K Bribe

Surat : The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended a junior electrical engineer, Paresh Patel, aged 43, and maintenance assistant Danish Bardolia from the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on charges of corruption.

The duo was captured in a sting operation conducted by the ACB for allegedly accepting a bribe totaling Rs 40,000. The sum was offered to expedite the clearance of a hefty bill amounting to Rs 47.11 lakh, related to the maintenance and repair of street lights under the SMC’s jurisdiction.

The incident unfolded at the Nagar Prathamik Shikshan Samiti School (NPSS) compound, situated opposite the Athwa zone office in Athwalines. The accused individuals, Patel and Bardolia, were taken into custody by ACB operatives in the act of receiving the bribe from a contractor responsible for the maintenance of street lights within the Surat Municipal Corporation.

It was reported that the contractor, in line with their duties, had submitted a legitimate bill worth Rs. 47,11,000 for the accomplished repair and maintenance work. However, Patel and Bardolia allegedly demanded a bribe amounting to Rs. 40,000 to facilitate the prompt clearance of this significant invoice.

Prompt action was taken by the ACB as they orchestrated a meticulously planned trap within the premises of NPSS. Engaging in a deliberate conversation with the complainant, the accused individuals were caught red-handed as they accepted the sum of Rs. 40,000 in cash. The ACB team swiftly intervened, preventing the completion of the illicit transaction.

This shocking incident has raised concerns about corruption within the administrative framework of the SMC. The ACB’s success in apprehending these individuals reflects a firm stance against corrupt practices and emphasizes the commitment to uphold ethical standards within governmental organizations.

The ACB has initiated further investigations into the matter, aiming to ensure the necessary legal actions are taken against those found guilty of engaging in corrupt activities. The municipal corporation has not released an official statement regarding the incident as of now.