Assam: Joint Secretary Caught Taking Bribe

GUWAHATI: The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department (DirVAC) busted a government official for receiving a Rs 90,000 bribe in exchange for renewing a security firm's license. Special DGP GP Singh served as the team's leader.

 KK Sharma, ACS, the Joint Secretary to the Government of Assam, was caught red-handed and taken into custody while taking Rs 90,000 from the complainant for the renewal of a security firm license, .

The DirVAC team recovered Rs. 49 lakh in undeclared cash after conducting another search at his residential premises. The concerned legal provisions allow for the seizure of cash.

GP Singh, Special DGP tweeted, "Further to trap & arrest of Sri KK Sharma last evening, search by @DIR_VAC_ASSAM at his residential premise has led to recovery of unaccounted cash INR 49 Lacs 24 thousand 700. The same is being seized and lawful action taken. @assampolice".

Another tweet by him said, "@CMOfficeAssam….Relentless, অদম্য || Thank you Hon @CMOfficeAssam @himantabiswa Sir for trust reposed in @DIR_VAC_ASSAM and supporting us through our campaign to free our state of corruption".

In a previous occurrence of a similar nature, searches were conducted at the residence of Sanjib Hazarika, the DTO for Dibrugarh, on October 21 and cash was recovered. During the raid, approximately Rs. 7,03,800 in undeclared cash was found and Rs. 87,000 in demonetized currency was discovered in his possession.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, under the direction of Special DGP GP Singh, has continued to lead the Assam government's fight against corruption. Between May 10, 2021, and October 19, 2022, 41 cases were registered, and as of that date, 40 cases had been submitted.

"Getting trap cases registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department is a mandatory responsibility. Our Officers have worked hard on this aspect as well," DGP G P Singh's Tweet read.

Despite reasonably strict anti-corruption regulations, corruption is rampant in India. But in recent years, there has been a rise in public discontent over corruption and the damage it does to the Indian economy. Strong public sentiment against corruption has been present for some time, and prominent corruption cases have emerged as important political problems.

The Indian government has adopted a tough stance on corruption issues, which has led to the introduction of a number of legislative measures aimed at combating it. These measures include: strengthening laws relating to the prosecution of bribe-givers, facilitators, and influence peddling; expanding existing laws governing money laundering and "Benami" (i.e., proxy) transactions; and new laws to target undisclosed income and assets of absconding accused persons.

Also read: Assam: Hema Malini may Visit Nalbari During the 89th Raas Celebration in Hari Mandir

Also watch: