Another Land-Related Bribe Case Highlights Persistent Rural Corruption

Muzaffarnagar’s Anti-Corruption Saharanpur unit arrested Rajan Kumar, a lekhpal in the Charthawal area’s consolidation department, for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹20,000 to conduct an official land measurement. The complaint was filed by Narendra Kumar of Sardhana, who alleged that the official requested money to carry out the mandatory land survey.

Complaint Verification and Trap Operation

The Anti-Corruption team first verified the complaint before taking action. Once the allegations were confirmed, officials devised a trap operation. The complainant visited the lekhpal’s temporary office in Rampuri with marked currency notes, which the lekhpal accepted, resulting in his immediate arrest.

Arrest and Seizure

The arrest took place inside the makeshift office without any resistance. The seized currency has been recorded as evidence, and Rajan Kumar is currently being questioned by the Anti-Corruption unit. Authorities are investigating whether the official has engaged in similar misconduct in other cases.

Highlighting Rural Corruption Concerns

The case underscores the persistent issue of bribery in rural and semi-urban land administration, where officials exploit their position for personal gain. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strict action against public servants involved in corrupt practices, emphasizing ongoing vigilance in land-related services.