ACB trap in IIT-Jodhpur: CPWD add director arrested for taking Rs 1 lakh bribe

Jaipur: The Rajasthan anti-corruption bureau (ACB) on Friday arrested Pradeep Kumar – additional director (horticulture) of Central Public Works Department (CPWD) after he was allegedly caught taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh, senior agency officials said.

According to DG ACB Alok Tripathi, a contractor approached the agency with a complaint against Pradeep Kumar. In the complaint, he stated that he had secured horticulture and landscaping contract of Rs 80 lakh for IIT-Jodhpur. The work was underway. The contractor had finished the work of 34 lakh and presented bills for payment to Pradeep Kumar.

“The additional director demanded 10% commission from the contractor. It amounted to 3.40 lakh for the work done so far. After registering the complaint, it was verified under the supervision of Add SP, ACB in Jodhpur Narendra Singh. Pradeep Kumar accepted Rs 50,000 at the time of the verification following which a trap was laid,” said DG Tripathi.

He added that Pradeep Kumar was caught taking the second instalment of the bribe – Rs 1 lakh on Friday. He was arrested and booked under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

“We are carrying out searches at his house, office and other places belonging to him. Further investigation is going on. He will be produced in a court,” said the officer.