SRI GANGANAGAR: In a major crackdown on corruption, the Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) caught a Regional Forest Officer (Ranger) red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹40,000 in Raisnghnagar, Sri Ganganagar district. The accused, identified as Ashok Singh, had allegedly demanded the money from a timber contractor in exchange for official clearances.
The Complaint
The action followed a complaint lodged by Sulkhan Singh, a timber contractor and owner of the firm ‘Bhavani Stones.’ His firm had secured a contract from the Forest Department’s Raisnghnagar range to remove stumps from the Patia Minor and CC Minor areas.
Despite the completion of the work, Ranger Ashok Singh allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹1 lakh to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and to ensure the firm was not blacklisted.
The Trap Operation
After the ACB verified the complaint, a trap was laid on March 23, 2026. The Ranger agreed to accept ₹40,000 as the first installment of the bribe.
When the complainant reached the Raisnghnagar office with the cash, the accused attempted to be discreet by asking the contractor to place the money in a white handkerchief. Sensing trouble, he later tried to hide the bundle inside a plastic sack. However, the waiting ACB team moved in quickly, apprehending Singh and recovering the tainted currency notes from the sack.
More Read
Scientific Evidence and Legal Action
During the post-trap procedures, the ACB conducted a chemical wash of the accused’s hands and the recovered handkerchief. The solution turned a light pink/muddy color, scientifically confirming contact with the bribe money.
The ACB has registered a case against Ashok Singh under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act (FIR No. 80/2026). The further investigation into the matter has been handed over to Smt. Sudha Palawat, Additional Superintendent of Police (Hanumangarh).
The bureau has reiterated its commitment to a corruption-free administration and encouraged citizens to report any such demands by public servants.
