Junagadh – The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today apprehended a Talati-cum-Mantri for accepting a bribe via a digital payment platform. The accused, Jayadeepbhai Janakbhai Chavda, Class-3, serving at Village-Parbavadi, Ta. Bhesan, Dist. Junagadh, was caught in a meticulously planned trap after demanding Rs. 1500/- for official documentation.

The case was initiated by an aware and responsible citizen, who became the complainant in this operation. The complainant’s brother had recently solemnized his marriage in court at Parab Vavdi village and was eligible for financial assistance from a government scheme. To avail this assistance, a crucial memorandum from the marriage venue, issued by the Talati Minister, was required.

Upon approaching Jayadeepbhai Chavda for the necessary memorandum, the complainant was met with an illicit demand for Rs. 1500/-. Shockingly, the accused instructed the complainant to transfer this bribe amount through a digital payment platform using a scanner/QR code.

Unwilling to succumb to corruption, the complainant immediately contacted the ACB. Based on the detailed complaint, the ACB swiftly organized a trap. During the operation, which took place at Village Parbavadi, Ta. Bhesan, Dist. Junagadh, a purposeful conversation was recorded between the complainant and the accused. Jayadeepbhai Chavda subsequently accepted the illegal bribe amount of Rs. 1500/- via the provided digital payment platform’s scanner/QR code. Crucially, he also acknowledged that the illegal bribe money had been successfully deposited into his account, leading to his immediate apprehension.

The successful trap was executed by Trapping Officer Shri R.R. Solanki, Police Inspector, ACB Police Station, Rajkot City, along with his dedicated staff. The entire operation was conducted under the vigilant supervision of Shri K.H. Gohil, E.Ch. Assistant Director, ACB, Rajkot Unit, Rajkot.

The use of digital payment platforms for illicit transactions highlights a new modus operandi for corrupt officials. Further investigations are underway. DeshGujarat