Rajasthan MLA caught accepting ₹20 Lakh bribe, arrested by ACB

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Rajasthan arrested 38-year-old Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA Jaikrishan Patel on Sunday for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹20 lakh. He was caught red-handed at the MLA quarters.

According to reports, this is the first time the Rajasthan ACB has arrested a sitting MLA in a corruption case.

Patel allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹10 crore from the complainant to withdraw questions related to mining issues. The final deal was reportedly settled at ₹2.5 crore. During the verification process, the complainant initially handed over ₹1 lakh to Patel in Banswara.

On 4 May, Patel was trapped while accepting ₹20 lakh at the official MLA quarters. The ACB Director General stated that Patel handed over the bag of cash to an associate, who managed to flee the scene. The Bureau is currently interrogating Patel regarding the identity and whereabouts of the man.

The ACB claims to have audio and video recordings of Patel demanding the bribe, which they believe will serve as key evidence in securing his conviction.