Jaipur, May 4 2025 – In a first for Rajasthan, the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a sitting MLA in a bribery case. Jaykrishna Patel, the BAP legislator from Bagidora (Banswara), was taken into custody on Sunday in connection with a ₹2.5 crore bribery demand from a company. This unprecedented development marks the first-ever arrest of an MLA on bribery charges in Rajasthan.
Bribery Deal at Official MLA Residence
The deal allegedly took place at Patel’s government residence in Jyoti Nagar, Jaipur, where his gunman received ₹20 lakh in cash as part of the bribe. The payment was reportedly meant to persuade the MLA to withdraw questions he had raised in the state assembly regarding the mining department.
According to ACB sources, the legislator was pressuring a private company and obstructing its operations, allegedly demanding ₹2.5 crore in exchange for cooperation.
During the operation, the gunman accepted the money in an outer room while Patel remained inside. As soon as the ACB team attempted to enter further, the gunman fled the scene with the cash. ACB teams are now conducting search operations to locate him.
Surveillance, Evidence, and Arrest
The ACB had been tracking multiple phone numbers—including those of Patel, his gunman, and company employees—as part of their surveillance operation. On Sunday at 1:30 PM, the ACB team reached Quarter No. 804 in the legislator’s government building and carried out the planned operation.
By 3 PM, Patel was taken to the ACB headquarters for questioning, following which a formal arrest was made after a medical examination. Sources confirm the arrest is backed by mobile surveillance and witness testimonies.
Political Background: From Defeat to Victory
Jaykrishna Patel emerged victorious in the 2024 Bagidora assembly by-election on a Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) ticket, defeating BJP’s Subhash Tambolia. He had previously contested the 2023 assembly elections but lost to Congress candidate Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya.
The by-election was held after Malviya switched allegiance to the BJP and resigned, vacating the seat. Patel’s win in the bypoll marked a significant moment for the emerging tribal-focused BAP.
Fallout and Investigation
The case has sparked political and public outrage, as Rajasthan witnesses an MLA’s arrest for corruption for the first time. The ACB has confirmed that further investigations are underway and that the gunman’s arrest remains a top priority.
This case is likely to have political ramifications ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, especially as it concerns a party and legislator with recent electoral significance.