Hardoi Executive Officer Krishna Kumar Sonkar was arrested in Shahabad on Monday after a Lucknow-based Anti-Corruption Organisation team allegedly caught him accepting a ₹2 lakh bribe for clearing pending contractor bills. The action was carried out at his official residence and caused panic in the municipal office, where routine work was disrupted after the arrest.
The case is linked to supply and installation work of electrical materials and equipment in Shahabad Municipal Council. The work was being executed by Laxmi Electricals, a Hardoi-based firm owned by contractor Sudesh Gupta, a resident of Khajanchi Tola in Sadar Bazaar.
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Bribe Allegedly Demanded for Pending Payments
According to the complaint, several payments related to the contractor’s work were pending with the municipality. EO Krishna Kumar Sonkar allegedly demanded ₹2 lakh for processing and approving the outstanding bills.
Sudesh Gupta, unwilling to pay the alleged bribe, approached the Anti-Corruption Organisation in Lucknow and filed a formal complaint. After verification, the anti-corruption team planned a trap to catch the officer while accepting the money.
On Monday, the team reached Shahabad as part of the planned operation. Around 2:30 pm, the complainant arrived at the EO’s official residence with ₹2 lakh. As soon as the officer allegedly accepted the amount, the team moved in and caught him red-handed.
Arrest Causes Stir in Municipal Office
The sudden operation created chaos at the spot and triggered panic among employees at Shahabad Municipal Council. Routine work in the municipal office came to a halt after news of the arrest spread.
Eyewitnesses said that during the arrest, the EO allegedly tried to avoid detention by claiming he was unwell and citing medical reasons. The anti-corruption team proceeded with the legal formalities and took him into custody.
He was first taken to the police lines, where procedural requirements were completed. He was later produced before the vigilance authorities in Lucknow.
FIR Registered, Records Under Scrutiny
Officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered against Krishna Kumar Sonkar under the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Establishment, Lucknow Sector. Investigators are now examining whether any other officials or employees were involved in the alleged corruption case.
The probe is expected to look into billing, accounting and payment clearance records connected to the contractor’s pending dues. Authorities are also examining related files and documents to determine whether procedural irregularities or collusion occurred at different stages.
Legal proceedings against the accused officer are underway. Vigilance teams are continuing their examination of payment records and municipal documents, and further action may follow as the investigation progresses.
