Gujarat ACB Trap In Amreli: GERI Officials Caught Accepting ₹21,000 Bribe

Two officials of the Gujarat Engineering Research Institute (GERI), Vadodara, were caught allegedly accepting a ₹21,000 bribe during an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) trap in Amreli on Thursday.

The accused have been identified as Anandbhai Narendrabhai Kharediya, 52, a Class-I Research Officer (Executive Engineer), and Jigarbhai Kalsingbhai Bhutiya, 30, a Class-III Senior Scientific Assistant, both posted with GERI.

Bribe Demanded For Positive Inspection Report

According to the complaint, the complainant runs a materials testing laboratory in Amreli city. The two officials had visited the laboratory for a surprise inspection.

The officials allegedly demanded ₹21,000 from the complainant in exchange for giving a favourable report following the inspection.

Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Amreli ACB, following which officials planned a trap operation.

₹21,000 Bribe Accepted At Circuit House

The ACB carried out the trap on September 10 at Room No. 11 of the Government Circuit House on Chital Road in Amreli.

During the operation, both accused allegedly met the complainant at the location. According to the complaint, Kharediya instructed Bhutiya to accept the money on his behalf.

The ₹21,000 was allegedly divided between the two officials, with ₹15,000 meant for Kharediya and ₹6,000 for Bhutiya.

The ACB said both officials were caught at the spot while allegedly accepting the bribe. The entire ₹21,000 was recovered during the operation.

ACB Begins Further Legal Action

The two officials have been accused of allegedly misusing their official positions and accepting illegal gratification in connection with their official duties.

The trap was conducted by T.S. Rizvi, In-charge Police Inspector of the Amreli ACB Police Station, along with ACB personnel from Amreli and Bhavnagar.