ACB Gujarat has once again tightened its grip on corruption by catching a retired employee of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) red-handed while accepting a bribe. The arrest, which took place during a decoy operation in Ahmedabad’s Viratnagar ward, highlights the growing vigilance of the Anti-Corruption Bureau in curbing illegal activities within civic bodies.
The Case at a Glance
On Monday morning, ACB Gujarat officers carried out a planned trap against Govindbhai Parmabhai Dabhi, a retired AMC staffer. He was accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹4,000 from a resident during a property tax assessment procedure. The incident occurred after the bureau received credible complaints about widespread corruption in tax-related services within the Viratnagar ward.
Dabhi, who resides at D/1004, Arohi Aleejiam, South Bopal, Ahmedabad, was caught red-handed when he accepted the illegal amount from a decoy customer deployed by the ACB team.
Complaint Sparked the Action
According to officials, the bureau had earlier received a formal complaint from a local citizen. The complaint alleged that certain AMC staffers were systematically demanding bribes ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹10,000 to clear property tax assessments or to provide favorable reports. This illegal practice had reportedly been troubling residents and small traders for months.
Acting promptly, ACB Gujarat verified the complaint and set up a sting operation. A decoy, posing as a citizen requiring tax-related help, approached Dabhi. During the interaction, the accused demanded ₹4,000 as a bribe. Once the amount was handed over, the officers present at the scene apprehended him immediately.
Official Statement from ACB Gujarat
An ACB spokesperson confirmed the details of the case, stating that the accused had been booked under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The spokesperson added that the bureau remains committed to ensuring transparency in public services and that such operations will continue wherever corruption is suspected.
“The Anti-Corruption Bureau will not tolerate misuse of power by government employees or those associated with civic bodies. This action demonstrates our zero-tolerance policy towards bribery,” the official said.
Why This Case Matters
This arrest is significant because it once again exposes how deeply corruption has seeped into everyday administrative functions such as property tax assessments. Citizens, who are already burdened with increasing expenses, are forced to pay extra money just to get their legitimate work done.
By targeting retired employees who continue to exploit their connections or influence, ACB Gujarat is sending a clear message: corruption will not be ignored, regardless of whether the accused is in active service or retired.
Broader Impact on AMC and Citizens
The case has created ripples within the AMC, as it raises concerns about how property tax processes are being handled. If complaints of bribe demands are widespread, many more officials—both serving and retired—could face scrutiny.
For citizens, however, the arrest is a hopeful sign. It shows that lodging a complaint with the bureau can result in swift action. It also acts as a deterrent to others who may think about demanding illegal payments in exchange for basic civic services.
Public Response
Local residents have welcomed the ACB’s swift intervention. Several citizens have praised the bureau for acting on the complaint promptly and carrying out a successful decoy trap. Many believe such high-visibility actions help in reducing fear among common people and encourage them to speak up against wrongdoing.
A shopkeeper from Viratnagar ward told local reporters, “For years, people have been paying small amounts here and there just to avoid delays in property tax work. With this arrest, we feel things might finally start changing.”
What Lies Ahead
The investigation is not limited to this single arrest. Sources indicate that ACB Gujarat may now probe whether other officials were involved in similar practices in the Viratnagar ward or in other zones of AMC. If further evidence surfaces, more arrests could follow.
The bureau has also appealed to citizens to come forward with complaints whenever they face corrupt practices in government or municipal services. They have assured complete confidentiality and protection to whistleblowers.
ACB Gujarat’s Growing Track Record
This case adds to the list of successful operations carried out by ACB Gujarat in recent months. The agency has been proactive in cracking down on corruption in departments like revenue, police, transport, and municipal corporations. Each successful trap boosts public confidence and reinforces the bureau’s role as a watchdog.
Key Details of the Case
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Person | Govindbhai Parmabhai Dabhi |
| Affiliation | Retired AMC staff, Viratnagar ward |
| Residence | D/1004, Arohi Aleejiam, South Bopal, Ahmedabad |
| Allegation | Demanding ₹4,000 bribe during property tax assessment |
| Operation | Decoy trap conducted by ACB Gujarat |
| Legal Action | Booked under Prevention of Corruption Act |
Also read: Vibrant Gujarat: CM Bhupendra Patel Says State Will Become Growth Engine of $3.5 Trillion Economy
Conclusion
The arrest of a retired AMC staffer by ACB Gujarat is more than just another corruption case; it is a reminder that accountability does not end with retirement. By taking decisive action against bribery in property tax assessments, the bureau has once again proven its commitment to building a corruption-free Gujarat.
Citizens, too, play a vital role in this process. By raising their voices, filing complaints, and cooperating with agencies, they ensure that corrupt practices are exposed and punished. With continued vigilance and strict enforcement, the hope for a more transparent governance system in Gujarat appears stronger than ever.
