Jaipur: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Monday arrested a laboratory assistant on deputation at the SDM office in Bandikui, Dausa, for allegedly accepting a Rs 15,000 bribe, which he claimed to be collecting on behalf of the sub-divisional magistrate. The accused, Aditya Sharma, a laboratory assistant at Govt Senior Secondary School, Baswa, was caught red-handed by an ACB team while taking the money in the name of SDM Ramsingh Rajawat. ACB Director General of Police Govind Gupta said the action followed a complaint on the ACB helpline (1064). “The complainant stated that a case titled Mansi vs Shivlakhan & Others was filed in the SDM Court, Bandikui, on April 15. It was alleged that SDM Ramsingh Rajawat demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 through his subordinate Aditya Sharma in exchange for granting a stay order in the case,” Gupta said. The complainant also alleged harassment over the demand. During verification, ACB officials confirmed a demand of Rs15,000 by Sharma, though they said it is yet to be established whether the money was meant for the SDM. Following this, a trap was laid under the supervision of DIG Bhuvan Bhushan. “The accused, Aditya Sharma, was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 15,000 as a bribe,” an officer said. An FIR has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Searches were conducted at the accused’s residence and office. Officials said it is also being examined whether Sharma was collecting money in the SDM’s name without his knowledge, adding that the extent of the SDM’s involvement, if any, will be determined during the investigation.
