Jodhpur: A medical officer posted at the Government Trauma Centre in Bilara was arrested on Friday by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly accepting a ₹3.70 lakh bribe in exchange for securing contractual job appointments.
According to reports, the officer had allegedly demanded the bribe in the name of the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), Jodhpur Rural, promising two contractual posts — a pharmacist position for the complainant’s brother and a sanitation worker job for another individual.
ACB Director General Govind Gupta said the Jodhpur city unit received a complaint shortly after the new CMHO took charge a month ago. Rumours of bribery related to contract appointments had also started circulating across the district. ACB verification confirmed that the bribe was demanded using the CMHO’s name.
A 156-second video of the trap operation has surfaced, in which the accused doctor can be heard telling ACB officials, “Write down the name of the MLA’s son as well.” In response, ASP Chakravarti Singh is heard saying, “Tell me whatever you have to say when you are questioned and the notes are taken.”
Although the doctor did not mention any MLA by name, the remark has raised questions and may steer the investigation in a new direction, according to ETV Bharat.
DG Gupta added that the ACB is conducting a detailed inquiry, and the CMHO may also be questioned as part of the investigation.
As reported by Patrika, interrogation of the accused is being led by Smita Srivastava, Additional Director General of Police, ACB. A case will be registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further scrutiny is underway to determine whether additional individuals were involved.
The incident has sparked concerns about the prevalence of corruption in contractual appointments within government health departments.
