LandSurveyCorruption – Revenue Official Held in Jalna Bribery Trap Over Land Map
LandSurveyCorruption – A land survey official attached to the Deputy Superintendent of Land Records office in Maharashtra’s Jalna district was apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after allegedly accepting a bribe for issuing a land measurement map linked to an agricultural property.
The arrest took place on Monday during a planned operation conducted by the Jalna unit of the ACB. The accused has been identified as Anant Patil, a resident of Shekta village in neighbouring Beed district.
Landowner Had Completed Official Formalities
According to investigators, the case originated from a complaint related to agricultural land owned by Seema Phuke in Bolegaon village of Ghansawangi tehsil. The property spans approximately 2.23 hectares and falls under Survey No. 44.
Officials said the landowner had applied for a formal survey several months ago and deposited the prescribed government fee of Rs 15,000 on April 8, 2026. The survey process was subsequently carried out by the concerned official.
Patil reportedly conducted the field measurement on May 29 in the presence of witnesses, completing the required procedure. However, the survey map, which was expected to be issued after the exercise, was allegedly not provided despite repeated requests.
Complaint Filed After Alleged Demand for Money
The complainant later approached the ACB, alleging that the official demanded money in exchange for releasing the survey map. During a conversation held on June 18, the accused allegedly asked for Rs 12,000 and instructed the complainant to bring the amount on June 22.
The complainant then informed anti-corruption authorities, who initiated a verification process to examine the allegations. Officials stated that the complaint was scrutinised and the alleged demand was confirmed during the preliminary inquiry.
ACB Team Conducts Trap Operation
Following verification, the ACB organised a trap operation in Ghansawangi. Investigators said the accused allegedly agreed to accept the amount at a designated location near Hotel India at Ghansawangi Phata.
During the operation, Patil was allegedly caught while receiving the Rs 12,000 payment. ACB personnel immediately intervened and took him into custody.
The action formed part of ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to curb illegal demands linked to public services and government documentation.
Cash and Mobile Phone Seized
Officials said an additional Rs 1,360 in cash was recovered from the accused during the operation. A mobile phone was also seized for further examination as part of the investigation.
Authorities further confirmed that a search of the accused’s residence was carried out and continued into the evening as investigators gathered additional evidence connected to the case.
Senior Officers Supervised Investigation
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Madhuri Kangane, Superintendent of Police, ACB, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, along with Additional Superintendent of Police Shashikant Singare.
The trap team was led by Deputy Superintendent of Police B. S. Jadhavar and officers attached to the Jalna Anti-Corruption Bureau unit.
Police officials said legal proceedings were being initiated against the accused, and a case was in the process of being registered at Ghansawangi police station. Further investigation is underway to determine whether any additional irregularities are linked to the matter.