Sarpanch and Talati Caught Red-Handed in Mehsana Accepting ₹1 Lakh Bribe for Construction Permit
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
MEHSANA — In a major crackdown on local administration corruption, Gujarat’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) trapped the Sarpanch and Talati-cum-Mantri of Gamanpura Gram Panchayat in Mehsana on Monday, catching both public servants red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh.
The successful operation was executed at the Gamanpura Gram Panchayat office by an ACB team led by Ahmedabad City ACB Police Inspector M.R. Sheth, following a tip-off and formal complaint lodged by an alert local business owner.
Demanded Cash for Industrial Expansion Permit
According to official ACB sources, the complainant had purchased land in Gamanpura village, located in Mehsana district. Having previously converted a portion of the land into Non-Agricultural (NA) status in 2023 to establish a water treatment chemical manufacturing plant, the entrepreneur sought to expand production capabilities.
To proceed with new construction on additional owned land, the businessman submitted an application for the mandatory construction permission at the Gamanpura Gram Panchayat office. However, during personal meetings regarding the clearance, Sarpanch Maniben Mahendraji Thakor explicitly demanded a bribe of ₹1,00,000 to process the permit. She specified that out of the total amount, ₹80,000 was intended for herself, while ₹20,000 had to be paid to the officiating Talati-cum-Mantri, Deeptiben Vasantbhai Patel.
Trap Executed at Village Panchayat Office
Unwilling to yield to the extortionate demands, the complainant directly approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau to file a formal complaint. Acting promptly on the information, the ACB team laid a strategic trap at the Gamanpura Gram Panchayat premises on Monday, 2 November 2026.
During the sting operation, ACB officials caught Sarpanch Maniben Thakor (46) in the act of accepting ₹80,000 in bribe money. Concurrently, Talati Deeptiben Patel (41)—who holds joint charge of Gamanpura and Deloli villages—was apprehended on the spot after accepting her ₹20,000 share from the complainant.
The entire bribe sum of ₹1,00,000 was recovered in full from the duo at the scene.
Legal Action Initiated Under ACB Supervision
Both officials were detained immediately under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The trap was executed under the direct supervision of M.H. Puwar, Assistant Director of the ACB Ahmedabad Unit, alongside overall operational oversight by Haresh Mewada, Deputy Director of Gujarat ACB.
Authorities have commended the citizen's courage in coming forward, reaffirming the ACB's commitment to eradicating bribery across rural and urban civic bodies in the state. Further legal proceedings and detailed investigations into the assets of both accused officials are currently underway.
