ACB arrests Patwari in Neemrana for taking ₹4,500 bribe

Alwar: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Jaipur caught a Patwari red-handed in Kotputli-Neemrana belt of Behror Tuesday evening for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 4,500, officials said. The Patwari was detained, and questioning was underway, they said.Gyanprakash Naval, Additional SP Jaipur, said a complainant approached the ACB alleging that the Patwari concerned was demanding a bribe for boundary determination (seemajnan) related to the complainant’s land. The complainant alleged the Patwari was seeking cash in return for completing the govt work.ACB officials said the complaint was checked and a demand of Rs 10,000 was confirmed, following which a trap was arranged. Officials said an ACB team apprehended the Patwari at the spot while he was accepting Rs 4,500.The operation was carried out under the leadership of ACB Jaipur Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Gyanprakash Naval and under the supervision of Anti-Corruption Bureau Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Omprakash Meena, officials said. They said required legal formalities were being completed.ACB officials said a case was being registered against the accused Patwari under the Prevention of Corruption Act. They said the probe would also examine whether the accused previously sought bribes in a similar manner. Records related to the accused’s income, property and financial dealings may be scrutinised and, if indications of assets beyond income or other irregularities are found, the investigation could be widened.The arrest led to heightened activity in the area, including within the Revenue Department, officials said. Members of the public often need to visit Revenue Department offices repeatedly for land demarcation, mutation and other tasks, and when allegations of bribery emerge, public dissatisfaction is also observed. Local residents said such action is needed to maintain transparency and accountability in govt work.The ACB said interrogation of the accused Patwari was continuing and all aspects of the matter remained under investigation.