Indore, April 8: In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Lokayukt organization in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has arrested two officials from the Public Works Department while they were accepting bribes. This operation was conducted under the directives of Lokayukt’s Director General, Yogesh Deshmukh, causing a stir within the department.
The arrested officials include Balakumar Jain, an Assistant Engineer and in-charge Executive Officer, and Dheerendra Kumar Neema, a Sub-Engineer and in-charge Sub-Divisional Officer. Both were caught red-handed while accepting a total bribe of ₹90,000.
The operation was initiated based on a complaint from Raghavendra Singh Gurjar, a resident of Gwalior, who works as a Liaison Manager for a private firm. According to the complainant, his firm was awarded a contract for electric sitting work from Rau to Bampura for approximately ₹20 lakh in September 2025. The work was completed within the stipulated time frame, yet the department withheld around ₹17 lakh in payments.
It is alleged that the officials demanded bribes in exchange for releasing the pending payment. Balakumar Jain requested ₹60,000 at a rate of 4%, while Dheerendra Neema asked for ₹30,000 at a rate of 2%.
Following an initial investigation and verification of the complaint, the Lokayukt police devised a plan for action. A special trap team was formed under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Rajesh Sahay. On April 7, 2026, a well-coordinated operation was carried out, leading to the arrest of both accused while they were accepting the bribe.
Post-arrest, both officials have been charged under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018, and Section 61(2) of the Indian Penal Code, 2023. Lokayukt officials have stated that further investigations are ongoing.
–
Leave a Comment