JAIPUR
In a swift anti-corruption crackdown, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a high-ranking agriculture official for allegedly taking a bribe.
Anandilal Meena, the Joint Director of Agriculture Extension in Baran district, was caught red-handed while accepting ₹8,000 from local business owners during a carefully planned sting operation.
The trouble began when two local vendors, who sell fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, filed a formal complaint. They alleged that Meena was demanding ₹5,000 from each of them just to verify their mandatory stock registers. Without this official verification, the vendors could not legally continue their business operations. After receiving the tip, the ACB launched a secret investigation to confirm the claims before moving in for the arrest.
According to investigators, the official had already pocketed an initial payment of ₹2,000 earlier this week and was pressuring the vendors for the rest. A trap was set by a specialized team led by Additional Superintendent of Police Kalu Ram Verma. The officers pounced the moment the money changed hands, taking the Joint Director into custody immediately.
Senior officials, including Inspector General S. Parimala, are now monitoring the case registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Authorities are questioning the accused to see if he had targeted other vendors in the district with similar demands. This arrest serves as a stern warning to public officials that exploiting local small business owners for personal gain will lead to serious legal consequences.
