Chhattisgarh: After 20 Years ACB Files Chargesheet in Bribery Case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet in a Kondagaon court against two former officials of the Rural Engineering Services department in connection with a 20-year-old bribery case involving a ₹5,000 bribe and the seizure of ₹6.3 lakh in cash.
KONDAGAON: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of Chhattisgarh has filed a comprehensive chargesheet in the Special Prevention of Corruption Act Court in Kondagaon against former Executive Engineer (EE) Rakesh Kumar Sharma and former Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Mujeeb Mohammad Shah in connection with a 20-year-old bribery case.
The case dates back to 2006 and originates from the Rural Engineering Services (RES) department. The complainant, Hemesh Kumar Gandhi, had been awarded contracts for electrification work at an ashram building, a sub-health center, and a boys' hostel. According to the investigation, Executive Engineer Rakesh Kumar Sharma allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹5,000 from the contractor to release the project layout and clear pending bills.
Following a formal complaint lodged on December 8, 2006, the ACB verified the claims and laid a trap on December 14, 2006. During the trap operation, SDO Mujeeb Mohammad Shah accepted the ₹5,000 bribe on behalf of the Executive Engineer and attempted to flee in a car.
While escaping, the accused SDO allegedly tried to run over the ACB team members, injuring an officer in the process. The bribe money was later recovered near Bolbola village where the accused had discarded it. Additionally, a search at the official residence of Executive Engineer Rakesh Kumar Sharma yielded ₹6,30,200 in cash.
After compiling crucial evidence—including audio recordings of the bribe demand, witness statements, seized cash, documentary proof, and positive FSL reports—the police submitted the chargesheet under Sections 7, 13(1)(d), and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, along with Sections 201 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
