Gujarat HC denies bail of suspended IAS officer in ₹3.12 Cr PMLA Case
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Gujarat High Court has refused regular bail to suspended 2015-batch IAS officer Rajendrakumar Patel, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 2, 2026, in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land conversion bribery racket.
₹3.12 crore illegal gratification alleged
The ED alleged Patel received ₹3.12 crore in illegal gratification for approving the conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural (CLU) use while serving as Surendranagar Collector.
ED alleges fixed bribe system
Investigators claimed a pre-decided bribe rate of ₹10 per sq metre was followed for CLU approvals. Out of 501 applications, Patel allegedly received a 50% share, while the remaining money was distributed among subordinate officials.
Searched ‘How to reset phone’
The agency relied on account sheets, statements of co-accused and digital records. It also claimed over 800 photographs of CLU applications were found on Patel's phone and alleged he searched "how to reset Samsung S24 Ultra" a day before the ED raid, suggesting an attempt to destroy evidence.
Court's strong observations
The High Court said corruption by senior public officials weakens constitutional governance, democracy and the rule of law. It observed that Patel, as District Collector, was expected to act with integrity but instead allegedly allowed corruption to flourish.
Bail rejected
Rejecting arguments based on Patel's 5.5-month custody and knee injury, the court held that he failed to satisfy the conditions required under Section 45 of the PMLA, adding that protecting the country's economic health outweighs individual liberty in such cases.
