Udaipur: In a major anti-corruption operation, the Anti Corruption Bureau Rajasthan (ACB) arrested a senior assistant of the State Insurance and Provident Fund Department in Udaipur while allegedly accepting a bribe in connection with the settlement of a death claim.
The accused, identified as Shekhar Mathuria, was allegedly demanding money to process and enhance the death claim amount of a deceased government school teacher.
The arrest has triggered concern within the department and intensified scrutiny over alleged corruption in government compensation and insurance-related processes.
Initial Bribe Demand Allegedly ₹7.50 Lakh
According to Govind Gupta, the ACB’s intelligence unit received a complaint alleging that the accused official was harassing the family of a deceased teacher for clearing her death claim file.
The complainant informed investigators that his niece, a government teacher, had passed away, following which the department initiated procedures related to insurance and death benefits.
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During the process, the accused allegedly pointed out technical deficiencies in the claim documents and demanded a hefty bribe of ₹7.50 lakh in exchange for resolving the objections and approving a higher claim amount.
Secret Verification Conducted by ACB
Following the complaint, the ACB reportedly conducted a confidential verification operation on May 11 to confirm the allegations.
During the verification process, investigators found that the accused had allegedly agreed to settle the matter for ₹1.50 lakh.
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Officials then planned a trap operation to catch the accused while accepting the bribe money.
Arrested While Taking ₹1 Lakh First Installment
On May 12, the complainant allegedly reached the designated location to hand over the first installment of ₹1 lakh to the accused.
ACB officials laid a trap and arrested Shekhar Mathuria red-handed while allegedly accepting the bribe amount.
The cash was reportedly recovered during the operation, and the accused was immediately taken into custody.
Searches Underway at Multiple Locations
After the arrest, ACB teams launched search operations at the accused’s residence and other associated premises.
Officials suspect that additional department employees or officers may also be involved in the alleged corruption network linked to claim processing and settlement activities.
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Investigators are now examining financial records, official files, and communication details to determine whether similar demands were made in other cases.
Case Registered Under Prevention of Corruption Act
The bureau has registered a case against the accused under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Officials confirmed that the accused is being subjected to intensive interrogation and further legal action is underway.
The operation has created panic within the department, where officials fear broader investigations into pending claim files and alleged irregularities.
ACB Appeals to Public to Report Corruption
Following the operation, the Anti Corruption Bureau Rajasthan appealed to citizens to report any government official demanding bribes in exchange for public services.
The bureau urged people to use its official helpline and complaint mechanisms to assist in anti-corruption efforts across Rajasthan.
The case is being viewed as another major action by the ACB amid its ongoing campaign against bribery and misuse of official authority in government departments.