Rajasthan Forest Officials Arrested in Bribery Scandal

Two rangers and one forester from the Rajasthan Forest Department were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for taking a bribe of Rs 5,000. The bribe was demanded to release a confiscated vehicle. The accused officials, Lokesh, Ashok, and Balram Patidar, are currently under interrogation.

Two rangers and one forester from the Rajasthan Forest Department have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000, a senior official confirmed on Wednesday.

According to ACB Director General Ravi Prakash Meherda, a complaint was lodged stating that Dungarpur Ranger Lokesh and Forester Ashok demanded Rs 45,000 to release a confiscated vehicle carrying wood. They instructed the complainant to deliver the payment to Rajsamand Ranger Balram Patidar at his office.

After verifying the complaint, ACB's Rajsamand unit apprehended Patidar while he accepted the bribe. Lokesh and Ashok have also been arrested, and an investigation is ongoing, stated the Director General.

(With inputs from agencies.)