Action has intensified against 2015-batch IAS officer Dr. Rajendra Kumar Patel, as investigation agencies tighten their grip over alleged corruption and money-laundering charges. After a raid conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Patel was removed from the post of Surendranagar District Collector — and now the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has also filed an FIR against him.
The case revolves around alleged bribery linked to land-use files and the suspected laundering of illegal proceeds — developments that have sent shockwaves through Gujarat’s bureaucracy.
ED Raids Change the Equation
Recently, ED officials conducted searches at the Surendranagar Collectorate and connected locations. Soon after, the state government moved swiftly to remove Dr. Patel from the Collector’s post.
Key developments:
- He has not been assigned any new posting yet
- Sensitive files are now under scrutiny by central and state agencies
The FIR registered by the ACB is based on the complaint shared by the ED following its preliminary findings.
Four Named in the ACB FIR
According to ACB Joint Director Makarand Chauhan, the FIR registered on December 23 names the following:
1. Dr. Rajendra Kumar Patel – Former Collector, Surendranagar
2. Jayrajsinh Jhala – Personal Assistant
3. Mayursinh Gohil – Clerk
4. Chandrasinh Mori – Revenue Officer
So far, no arrests have been made. Investigators are examining documents, digital records and financial trails.
₹67.50 Lakh Cash Seized
During the ED operation, a major discovery came to light:
₹67.50 lakh in cash was recovered from the residence of Revenue Officer Chandrasinh Mori.
ED claims the seized cash was allegedly collected as bribes for:
- Fast-tracking land-use applications
- Ensuring “favourable” decisions on certain files
- Mori was arrested and produced before a PMLA court, which remanded him to ED custody till January 1. The agency is now tracking money routes and alleged beneficiaries.
Concern Within Bureaucracy
Sources suggest more names — possibly from the same 2015 IAS batch — could come under the scanner as the probe progresses. Several districts in Gujarat currently have officers from the same batch holding key administrative roles, heightening anxiety in official circles.
Who is Dr. Rajendra Kumar Patel?
- Home State: Gujarat (Ahmedabad district)
- Date of Birth: 23 August 1985
- Joined Civil Services: 7 September 2015 (IAS, 2015 batch)
- Educational Background:
- BDS (Dentistry)
- MA in Public Policy
He was appointed Collector of Surendranagar on February 4, 2025. Within months, however, allegations surfaced — and he now stands at the center of a high-profile corruption probe.
What Lies Ahead
Investigating agencies are currently examining:
- Where the alleged bribe money originated and who handled it
- Whether a wider network was involved
- The possible impact of bribery on administrative decisions
The government has indicated that strict action will follow if charges are proven.
