Bhilwara/Dungarpur/Kuchaman: In a significant anti-corruption drive, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) carried out coordinated raids across multiple districts, exposing a widespread bribery network operating within government departments. In simultaneous operations across Bhilwara, Dungarpur, and Kuchaman, officials arrested PWD XEN engineer Shahzad Mohammed, ASI Madanlal, former councillor Dialal Patiidar, and Assistant Registrar Pithdan Charan, along with several others involved in separate bribery cases.
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Bribes Sought for Bills, Cases and Official Approvals
According to officials, the investigations revealed that bribes ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹4.04 lakh were being systematically collected in exchange for official favours, including bill clearances, case manipulation, and administrative approvals. The network reportedly involved government officials and intermediaries working in coordination to extract illegal payments from contractors and complainants.
In Bhilwara, the ACB caught PWD Executive Engineer Shahzad Mohammed red-handed along with contractors Banwari Lal and Moduram Dhakad while accepting a bribe of ₹4.04 lakh. Officials stated that the amount was being collected in exchange for clearing pending bills and speeding up payment processes related to government construction projects.
Investigators further revealed that engineer Shahzad Mohammed allegedly collected commissions from contractors and circulated portions of the bribe within departmental channels. Following his arrest, ACB teams conducted searches at his residence in Jahazpur and other suspected locations, recovering several documents and suspicious records linked to financial transactions.
ASI, Former Councillor Arrested
In Dungarpur, ASI Madanlal and former councillor Dialal Patiidar were arrested while accepting ₹1 lakh in bribe. The complaint alleged that both accused demanded ₹2 lakh initially to remove the names of the complainant’s daughter and son-in-law from a cyber fraud case, which was later settled at ₹1 lakh.
Officials also noted that ASI Madanlal had recently been promoted from head constable to ASI and was posted in the cyber cell. His involvement has raised serious concerns about internal monitoring and accountability within the police department, especially in cyber-related investigations.
In Kuchaman, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies Pithdan Charan was arrested during a late-night trap operation while accepting ₹1 lakh. He was accused of initially demanding ₹2 lakh to provide relief in a cooperative society dispute and audit-related case, which was later negotiated down to ₹1 lakh.
ACB teams also conducted searches at Pithdan Charan’s office and residential premises, seizing important financial records and documents. Officials confirmed that the investigation is focusing on possible irregularities in cooperative society cases linked to his tenure.
Statewide Probe Examines Financial Records and Digital Evidence
The entire statewide operation was conducted under the supervision of senior ACB officials, including DIG Narayan Togas, with coordinated teams from multiple units. Authorities confirmed the seizure of mobile phones, banking records, and digital evidence from all locations involved in the raids.
All arrested individuals are currently under interrogation, and their financial assets and transactions are being closely examined. Investigators have indicated that further arrests cannot be ruled out as the probe expands.
The ACB reiterated its commitment to strict action against corruption, stating that no official or intermediary involved in bribery will be spared, and efforts will continue to ensure transparency and accountability in public administration across the state.
