Jaipur: A senior statistical officer with the central ministry of statistics and programme implementation was detained by the Anti-Corruption Bureau Thursday while allegedly accepting a Rs 15,000 bribe from a Jaipur-based emerald manufacturer.The officer, Mukesh Malya, is posted with the ministry’s field operations division at Patel Marg, Mansarovar. The ACB said the trap followed a complaint by Green Mountain Gems Pvt Ltd, whose registration certificate was issued by the ministry.According to the complaint, Malya allegedly demanded Rs 15,000 Thursday, warning the firm that it could face a penalty if the amount was not paid. After verifying the complaint, the ACB Jaipur City-IV unit laid a trap on the directions of its headquarters.The operation was carried out under the supervision of DIG (ACB-II), Jaipur, Om Prakash Meena, and led by additional SP Manoj Kumar Gupta. Police inspector Ramjilal and other ACB personnel were also part of the team. Malya was detained after he was allegedly caught accepting the money from the complainant.During the operation, Malya told ACB officials that he was undergoing treatment for a kidney ailment. He was taken to Gangauri Hospital for initial treatment and later referred to another facility. He was subsequently shifted to SMS Hospital by additional SP Manoj Kumar Gupta and his brother Suresh Kumar Malya, where he was undergoing treatment.The ACB said the legal procedure was continuing and a case would be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further action is being taken under the supervision of Additional DG (ACB) Smita Srivastava and IGP S Parimala.The bureau also cautioned people against fraudsters posing as ACB representatives and said anyone facing a complaint or preliminary inquiry can directly approach the bureau with their explanation, which is examined during the investigation.
