The Lokayukta police on Friday afternoon arrested Shahabuddin Siddiqui, a clerk of the Bhopal Development Authority (BDA), while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. The arrest was made during a trap operation following a complaint from a local resident.
According to officials, the complainant, Ghanshyam Rathore, a resident of Berasia Road, had applied for the transfer of ownership of his house nearly four months ago. However, his request remained pending due to a bribe allegedly demanded by Siddiqui. Frustrated by the delay and the persistent demand for illegal gratification, Rathore approached the Lokayukta office with a written complaint.
After conducting a preliminary inquiry, the Lokayukta team, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police RK Singh, organized a trap operation. Siddiqui was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 10,000 from Rathore as part of the illegal transaction.
A case has been filed against Siddiqui under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is ongoing. The arrest has once again highlighted the ongoing issue of corruption in public offices and the continued efforts by anti-corruption agencies to address such practices.