Damoh, Madhya Pradesh: In a major crackdown on corruption in Madhya Pradesh’s Damoh district, the Sagar Lokayukta police caught a Gram Panchayat secretary red-handed while accepting a bribe. The official allegedly demanded money in exchange for releasing an installment of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
The Sting Operation: Caught with ₹6,000
On Monday, acting on a meticulously planned strategy, the Lokayukta team raided the Tejgarh Panchayat building. As soon as the victim handed over ₹6,000 to the Panchayat Secretary, Jugraj Singh Lodhi, the team moved in. In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the secretary immediately passed the cash to the village watchman (Chaukidar), Gudda Raikwar. Consequently, the watchman has also been named as a co-accused in the case.
To solidify the evidence, a chemical test was conducted. When the hands of both suspects were washed in a specialized solution, the water turned red, providing scientific confirmation that they had handled the bribe money.
The Grievance: Installments Held Hostage
The complainant, Mahendra Kosti, a resident of Tejgarh, approached the Lokayukta after facing persistent harassment. According to Kosti, a house worth ₹1.20 lakh had been sanctioned under PMAY in his wife’s name. However, Secretary Jugraj Singh allegedly demanded an illegal gratification of ₹15,000 to release the second installment.
The victim revealed that:
- His rightful payment was withheld because he refused to pay the bribe.
- After several negotiations, the amount was “settled” at ₹6,000.
- Unable to bear the extortion, Kosti filed a written complaint with the Sagar Lokayukta SP office on April 16.
Legal Action Under Anti-Corruption Laws
The operation was led by Lokayukta Inspector Manju Kiran Tirkey, along with Inspector Ranjit Singh and a team of several head constables. Following the successful trap, a case was registered against both accused individuals under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the administrative circles of the Tendukheda block. Local residents have hailed the action, describing it as a necessary step toward ensuring transparency in government welfare schemes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on news inputs and official reports from the Lokayukta police. The accused are currently under investigation. Under the law, every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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