Tendukheda SDM Puja Soni Office Stenographer Held in Bribery Case

A Lokayukta operation in Madhya Pradesh’s Narsinghpur district has led to the arrest of an SDM office stenographer accused of accepting a bribe of ₹30,000. The incident took place inside the Tendukheda Sub Divisional Magistrate office, triggering scrutiny over alleged corruption linked to official documentation processes.

The accused, identified as stenographer Saurabh Yadav, was caught red-handed during a trap laid by the Lokayukta team from Jabalpur.

Bribe Allegedly Demanded for Inspection Report

According to officials, the complaint was filed by a coloniser who had applied for an inspection report related to a proposed colony development project. The complainant alleged that the work was being unnecessarily delayed despite repeated follow-ups.

He further stated that the stenographer demanded ₹30,000 in exchange for issuing the required inspection report. Acting on the complaint, Lokayukta officials planned a sting operation to verify the allegations.

During the trap, the accused was allegedly caught accepting the bribe amount inside the SDM office premises.

Investigation Under Prevention of Corruption Act

Following the arrest, a case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Authorities confirmed that further investigation is underway to determine whether other officials were involved or if the demand was part of a wider pattern of corruption within the office.

Some reports suggest that the accused may have indicated a possible internal sharing of the bribe amount, though officials have clarified that no conclusions have been drawn and the matter remains under investigation.

Administrative Context and Public Attention

The case has drawn significant public attention as it involves a senior administrative office responsible for land and development-related approvals. The incident has raised concerns about procedural delays and alleged informal payments in government documentation processes.

Officials have reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty of corruption or misuse of public office.

SDM Pooja Soni Also in Spotlight

The case has also brought attention to SDM Pooja Soni, under whose office the incident occurred. Reports indicate she has had a clean administrative record so far and is preparing for a transition after clearing competitive examinations, including selection through UPSC.

However, authorities have not made any allegations against her, and she is not named as an आरोपी in the case. The investigation is currently focused on the arrested stenographer and any potential accomplices.

Probe Continues

Lokayukta officials are examining office procedures, communication records, and financial trails to determine whether the bribery demand was an isolated incident or part of a larger corruption network.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further action will depend on forensic and documentary evidence collected during the inquiry.