Corruption on rise in Surat: 28 SMC officials caught in bribery cases in 5 years

Despite repeated crackdowns by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), corruption within the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) continues to remain a major concern. Over the past five years, 28 municipal officers and employees have been caught in bribery cases, while a retired official has also been booked for possessing assets disproportionate to known sources of income, as per reports.

The illegal construction and assessment departments have reportedly emerged as the primary centres of corruption. Questions are frequently raised over how unauthorised constructions continue to flourish despite official action on paper.

Allegations have also surfaced regarding commissions being demanded for clearing contractors’ bills and granting various civic approvals.

One of the biggest concerns is the absence of exemplary punishment. Although dozens of officials have been trapped by the ACB, prolonged legal proceedings often result in the accused securing bail and returning to normal life. Critics argue that this has significantly weakened the fear of consequences among corrupt officials.

The issue is not limited to government employees. Public representatives have also faced corruption allegations. During the previous municipal term, two opposition AAP corporators were arrested and jailed in a bribery case linked to a demand of ₹11 lakh from a contractor operating a municipal Pay-and-Park facility.

Following a complaint to the Ahmedabad ACB, a case was registered against then corporators Jitubhai Kachhdiya and Vipulbhai Suhagia, who were subsequently arrested.

The probe also examined the alleged involvement of senior municipal officials, including Varachha zone executive engineer Kamlesh Vasava and then in-charge Assistant Commissioner Dhananjay Rane.

The recurring arrests of municipal officials have sparked debate over why corruption remains deeply entrenched despite ACB operations.