PWD sub-engineer arrested while taking bribe, ACB takes major action
Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) team arrested CP Banjare, a sub-engineer with the Public Works Department (PWD), red-handed while accepting a bribe. He is accused of demanding ₹21,000 from a contractor in exchange for passing a bill. The Ambikapur ACB team took action on Wednesday, following which a search was also conducted at the accused’s home. According to reports, contractor Ankit Mishra, after completing the departmental work, made several visits to the Public Works Department office to obtain payment for the bill. Despite this, Sub-Engineer CP Banjare demanded a bribe of ₹21,000 to process the file and pass the bill. The contractor complained about this to the ACB office in Ambikapur, following which the ACB team initiated a preliminary investigation to verify the complaint.
After the complaint was found to be true, the ACB planned and laid a trap. When the contractor handed over the money to Sub-Engineer Banjare at the appointed time, the ACB team, already present, caught him red-handed. The bribe amount, which had been coated with a chemical, was seized from the accused. When officers on the spot examined the notes, the same color was found on Banjare’s hands, confirming the bribery. Following the arrest, the ACB team raided CP Banjare’s residence in Manendragarh. According to sources, the team recovered some documents and property records, which are being investigated. The team suspects Banjare may have assets disproportionate to his income. The ACB operation continued late into the night.
This action has created a stir in the entire department. It is reported that Sub-Engineer Banjare had been extorting money from contractors for the past several months in the name of work payments and bill approvals. Some department employees may also be questioned to determine who else was involved in the bribery. ACB officials stated that a case has been registered against the accused under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Banjare will be remanded in judicial custody and his assets will be further investigated. This ACB action has caused a stir not only in Manendragarh but also in surrounding government departments. Common citizens and contractors welcomed the move, stating that consistent action should be taken against such corrupt officials to maintain transparency in government operations.
