Assistant Engineer Narendra Kumar Gupta of the Tribal Affairs Department in Mandla was apprehended red-handed by the Lokayukta team while accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. A case has been registered against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Mandla: In a significant action, the Lokayukta team in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh has caught Assistant Engineer Narendra Kumar Gupta of the Tribal Affairs Department red-handed accepting a bribe. The accused had demanded a sum of Rs 56,000 for bill payment, and he was apprehended by the Lokayukta team upon receiving the first installment of Rs 20,000. After being informed about the matter, the accused has been taken to Jabalpur for legal proceedings.
Lokayukta Uncovers Bribery Demand in Anuppur
Roshan Tiwari, a resident of village Pauradhar, Nagar Parishad Dumar Kachhar, district Anuppur, had filed a complaint stating that his company “Boring Builders” had carried out repair and maintenance work in the Tribal Affairs Department, Mandla, in the year 2024. During the bill payment process, Assistant Engineer Narendra Kumar Gupta demanded a bribe of Rs 56,000.
Roshan stated that he was unable to pay the entire amount and subsequently lodged a complaint with Lokayukta, Jabalpur. Upon investigation, Roshan's complaint was found to be accurate, and the Lokayukta team decided to take immediate action.
Arrested Red-Handed While Accepting Bribe
The Lokayukta team raided the Assistant Engineer's office on Thursday. Narendra Kumar Gupta was apprehended by the team precisely when Roshan Tiwari was handing over the first installment of the bribe, Rs 20,000. The bribe money was seized from his possession. The arrested accused's demeanor changed upon being caught, and he was taken by the Lokayukta team to Jabalpur.
SP Lokayukta Anjulata Patle stated that a case has been registered against the accused under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Considering the seriousness of the matter, strict action will be taken against the accused.
Lokayukta's Vigilance Curbs Corruption
The Lokayukta team's proactive approach has been evident previously as well. Recently, a Principal in Indore and a Patwari in Jabalpur were caught red-handed accepting bribes. Such incidents have proven the effectiveness of the Lokayukta's functioning in preventing corruption in government departments.
Experts opine that in such cases, both the protection of the complainant and legal action against the accused are crucial. This action serves as a warning not only within the Tribal Affairs Department but also in other government departments.
Lokayukta to Take Strict Action
The Lokayukta team informed that the entire process against the accused Narendra Kumar Gupta will be conducted according to the law. Based on all documents and complaints received during the investigation, strict action will be taken against the accused. This case will stand as an example in anti-corruption campaigns.
Lokayukta Anjulata Patle stated that prompt and strict action will continue to be taken in the future upon receiving complaints of corruption in departments. She emphasized that maintaining public trust and ensuring transparency in government operations are the Lokayukta's priorities.
