50 Gujarat government officials caught taking bribes in first six months of 2026

Despite repeated claims of corruption-free governance, more than 50 government officials and employees have been caught accepting bribes in Gujarat during the first six months of 2026 alone, highlighting the continued prevalence of corruption across multiple departments.

According to available data, officials from departments ranging from police and panchayats to revenue and urban development have been trapped by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while allegedly demanding or accepting bribes for routine public services.

The figures come close to last year's total of 164 corruption cases, indicating that the problem remains deeply entrenched despite regular crackdowns.

Class-I officers among those arrested

One of the most high-profile cases involved A.B. Chaudhary, a Class-I officer posted at the Electrical Inspector's Office in Gandhinagar, who was allegedly caught accepting a bribe of ₹5 lakh.

Subsequent investigations reportedly uncovered assets and jewellery worth around ₹2.64 crore, raising questions about disproportionate wealth accumulated by public servants.

The issue is not limited to senior officials. Cases registered by the ACB show that alleged bribe demands have surfaced at multiple levels of the administration, from talatis and clerical staff handling certificates and approvals to police personnel and field officers.

In Anand, two women police personnel were also caught allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹1.10 lakh.

Questions over internal vigilance

The growing number of corruption cases has once again brought attention to the lack of effective internal monitoring mechanisms within government departments.

Typically, the ACB acts only after receiving complaints from citizens. Critics argue that if stronger internal surveillance and accountability systems existed, many cases could be detected before reaching the stage of a trap operation.

Concerns have also been raised over delays in departmental action and low conviction rates in corruption cases, factors that may reduce the deterrent effect of anti-corruption drives.

Department-wise officials caught till June 2026

Home Department: 11

Panchayat Department: 8

Urban Development: 7

Revenue Department: 6

Other State Departments: 7

Central Government Departments: 5

Agriculture & Cooperation: 3

Roads & Buildings: 1

Education: 1

Law Department: 1

Total: 50

36 private individuals also arrested

Alongside government officials, authorities have also arrested 36 private individuals accused of acting as intermediaries or facilitators in bribery cases.

A significant number of these cases reportedly involve personnel linked to the Home Department, particularly police officials. The total bribe amount involved in the cases registered so far this year is estimated to exceed ₹65 lakh.

The figures have renewed debate over transparency, accountability and the effectiveness of anti-corruption mechanisms within government offices.

As corruption cases continue to emerge across departments, questions are being raised over whether existing vigilance systems are sufficient and why conviction rates remain low despite officials being caught in trap operations.