Caught by own department, Rajasthan ACB officer used to collect ‘monthly bribes’ from govt servants

According to ACB Director General Dr Ravi Prakash Meharda, a tip-off was received that Meena was engaged in corrupt activities and had a poor reputation both in the public and within government departments. Investigators were informed that Meena extorted a ‘convenience fee’ from government officials — effectively a protection payment that allowed them to continue corrupt practices without interference. He allegedly collected these payments on a weekly basis in Jhalawar and then used to travel with them to Jaipur in a vehicle.

Authorities had previously tried to apprehend Meena, but he managed to evade arrest, becoming more cautious in the process.

On June 27, acting on information from ‘reliable confidential sources’ that Meena was once again transporting a large sum of illegal money, a team led by ACB Deputy Inspector General Rajesh Singh stopped his vehicle at the Barkheda Toll Plaza in Shivdaspura. During the search, officers recovered `9.35 lakh in cash which was rolled in newspapers, in a yellow envelope, regular envelopes, and a leather bag.

Dr. Meharda stated that Meena failed to provide any papers or satisfactory explanation for the cash. ACB officials said that as the public servant was found to have assets more than his income during the checking period, the entire amount of `9.35 lakh was seized.

A follow-up search at Meena’s Jaipur residence revealed an additional `39.5 lakh in cash, documents relating to various properties, and 85 bottles of foreign liquor. Police confirmed that a formal case is being registered at the concerned police station.

Meena is currently under interrogation and has been suspended. The ACB has initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act and will continue its investigation.