Bribery Scandal Rocks Madhya Pradesh Excise Department

The Lokayukta's Special Police Establishment in Madhya Pradesh has booked two officers from the Excise Department for allegedly demanding a bribe from a liquor shop license-holder. The accused officers sought Rs 5 lakh monthly for hassle-free operations, with one caught accepting Rs 3.5 lakh.

The Special Police Establishment (SPE) of Lokayukta has apprehended two officials from Madhya Pradesh's Excise Department in a bribery case. The officials allegedly demanded bribes from a license-holder of liquor shops in Seoni district, according to authorities.

The officials in question are Shailesh Kumar Jain, an assistant commissioner, and Pawan Kumar Jharia, an assistant district excise officer. Jain reportedly asked for a Rs 5 lakh monthly bribe to ensure smooth operations of nine liquor shops, said Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dilip Jharwade.

The sting operation resulted in Jharia being caught taking Rs 3.5 lakh from the complainant at a liquor warehouse. The Lokayukta SPE team nabbed him on the spot after he communicated the receipt of the bribe to Jain over the phone. Both officers now face charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)