A deep-rooted corruption within Rajasthan’s law enforcement machinery has been exposed. The state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a case against Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Surendra Kumar Sharma and two alleged middlemen under multiple sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The accused are allegedly involved in orchestrating an organized bribery and extortion network shielding illegal sand mining and illicit liquor trade in the Sawai Madhopur district.
Web of Corruption: Sand Mafia, Liquor, and Police Protection
The ACB, acting on specific intelligence and corroborative digital evidence, registered FIR No. 119/2025 on May 19 against ASP Surendra Kumar Sharma and two alleged fixers Ramraj Meena and Pradeep Parik alias Bunty. Investigators have recovered ₹13 lakh in unaccounted cash along with recorded calls, deal-related documents, and incriminating digital evidence that suggest a systematic bribery mechanism with Sharma’s explicit involvement and knowledge.
According to ACB Director General Dr. Ravi Prakash Meharda, Ramraj Meena was operating as a key conduit between sand mafia operatives and government officials. The modus operandi involved intimidating local officials and extracting protection money in exchange for shielding illegal sand mining operations in the region. Call records between Meena and ASP Sharma suggest direct coordination in managing these illicit activities.
Abuse of Power: Monthly Payoffs and Free Liquor
Beyond the sand mining racket, the probe also reveals how ASP Sharma exploited his post to collect monthly “bandhi” payments from transport and excise officials. Liquor contractors were allegedly forced to supply premium alcohol bottles to Sharma without documentation. His middlemen Meena and Parik were responsible for collecting bribes from subordinate police officers across the Sawai Madhopur district and routing them back to Sharma.
The payments were allegedly made in cash, liquor, and favors exchanged for inaction or tacit approval of illegal activities. ACB sources believe this syndicate may have extended its reach into the Revenue, Mining, and Excise departments as well.
Ongoing Investigation: More Arrests and Raids Likely
The ACB has detained all three accused for custodial interrogation under Sections 7, 7A, 8, 11, and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Initial questioning has reportedly led to leads suggesting more officials may have benefited from this nexus. Multiple departments have been served notices to furnish records, and searches are expected across various locations linked to the accused.
Senior ACB officers say this case may unravel a larger web of institutional corruption that provided impunity to local mafias under administrative cover. Teams are likely to carry out follow-up raids to recover more unaccounted wealth and secure additional evidence.