Bareilly | A lekhpal (revenue official) of Sadar Tehsil in Bareilly was arrested while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹10,000 for preparing a financial status certificate. The Anti-Corruption team caught the accused red-handed near the Employment Office (Sevayojan Office) and later registered a case against him at the Kotwali police station under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
During the search conducted after the arrest, officials also recovered ₹5,300 in cash from his pocket and room.
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Complaint led to trap operation
According to officials, Bharatendu Singh Sonkar, a resident of Subhashnagar, had filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Department stating that he needed a financial status certificate in his wife’s name for a business-related purpose.
The lekhpal, identified as Mahesh Kumar, allegedly demanded ₹10,000 in return for issuing the certificate. Acting on the complaint, Anti-Corruption Station In-charge Praveen Sanyal formed a team under the leadership of Inspector Jitendra Singh to verify the allegations and trap the accused.
Caught red-handed while accepting the bribe
Following the instructions of the Anti-Corruption team, the complainant agreed to pay the demanded amount. On Monday evening, the lekhpal called him to his room near the Sevayojan Office in front of the tehsil.
As soon as Mahesh Kumar accepted the money, the Anti-Corruption team intervened and arrested him on the spot. When his hands were washed during the verification process, the chemical applied to the currency notes turned the water pink, confirming the acceptance of the bribe.
Accused staying on rent in Bareilly
Officials said that the accused Mahesh Kumar is originally a resident of Basahari village in Mataundh police station area of Banda district. He was currently living on rent in Civil Lines, Bareilly, at the house of B.S. Chahar.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Growing vigilance against corruption
Authorities say that the Anti-Corruption Department has been intensifying its efforts to curb bribery in government offices. Officials have urged citizens to report any demand for illegal payments so that strict action can be taken against those involved.
The incident highlights the ongoing crackdown on corruption in public offices and reinforces the importance of public cooperation in exposing such practices.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
