Assam govt arrests 103 government employees in bribery cases, recovers Rs 4.33 crore in 2023

Digital Desk: In a significant crackdown on corruption within its ranks, the Assam government has unleashed a robust crackdown on bribery within its administrative ranks. The year 2023 witnessed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption in Assam actively pursuing cases, resulting in the apprehension of 103 government officials entangled in various corruption allegations.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the significant strides made in combating corruption, revealing that the Directorate had caught 103 government employees red-handed while accepting bribes. 

A staggering Rs 4.33 crore was seized from the residences of the arrested individuals, underscoring the magnitude of the illicit practices.

Among the arrests, a high-profile case unfolded in Dhubri district, involving two government officers, including an Assam Civil Service (ACS) officer. The ACS officer was implicated in demanding a bribe from a contractor, leading to the confiscation of an astonishing Rs 2.32 crore in cash from the officer's home. Documents related to property transactions, multiple bank accounts, and other investments were also seized, exposing the extent of the corruption network.

Further operations across Kamrup (Metro), Nagaon, and Goalpara districts resulted in the apprehension of five government officials and a driver. 

These individuals were caught accepting bribes for services ranging from processing land sale permissions to pension file handling. The simultaneous nature of these arrests demonstrated the pervasive nature of corruption within the state bureaucracy.

 

Commending the investigators' efforts, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reiterated the state's unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption. The anti-corruption drive's success was emphasized, with numerous arrests since the Chief Minister assumed office in May 2021. The total cash recovery from these operations in 2023 amounted to Rs 4.33 crore, highlighting the systemic corruption challenges facing the state.

 

The Assam government's decisive actions reflect a steadfast stance against corruption, aiming to establish a more transparent and accountable administration for the welfare of its citizens.