Gujarat: Deputy sarpanch, clerk caught taking Rs 3 lakh bribe in Umargam

SURAT: Anti-corruption sleuths nabbed a deputy sarpanch along with a temporary clerk of Solsumba village panchayat in Umargam of Valsad on Tuesday for allegedly accepting Rs 3 lakh as bribe.
Accused Amit Patel had demanded Rs 15 lakh but finally agreed on Rs 12 lakh to give approval for construction of the building. The complainant was not provided permission to construct a building on his own land without the palm grease.
ACB arrested Patel and temporary clerk Krushang Chandarana, both from Solsumba village panchayat. Chandarana had come on behalf of Patel to accept the money from the complainant at the entry gate of the village panchayat. He was caught red-handed in the act and was made to inform Patel of receiving the cash.
The complainant owns land in the village and wanted to construct a building for residence and commercial activities there. But Patel did not give him the necessary permission letter. He demanded Rs 15 lakh to issue the letter and after discussion, scaled down to Rs 12 lakh.
Of Rs 12 lakh, the deal was finalized for Rs 3 lakh as first instalment. The complainant, meanwhile, lodged a complaint with the ACB, which registered an FIR and also laid a trap.