JAIPUR / DIDWANA – The Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a formal case against a senior official of the Rajasthan Waqf Tribunal following a high-stakes investigation into bribery and extortion. The accused, Salawat Khan, who serves as a Senior Reader at the Tribunal, is alleged to have demanded a massive bribe and real estate in exchange for favorable legal outcomes.
The Decades-Old Dispute
The case revolves around a long-standing legal battle over ancestral property located in Didwana. The dispute has been pending in the legal system since 2003, causing significant distress to the parties involved. Salawat Khan reportedly sought to exploit this delay by promising to influence the case’s resolution.
The Bribe Demand: From ₹20 Lakh to ₹8 Lakh and a Plot
Investigations revealed that Khan initially placed an exorbitant demand of ₹20 lakh to settle the matter. Following negotiations, the amount was lowered, but the official added a predatory condition:
- Cash Bribe: A final demand of ₹8 lakh.
- Real Estate: A specific plot of land intended for a shop.
ACB Operation: A “Near Miss” Trap
Acting on a complaint, the Anti-Corruption Bureau orchestrated a trap operation to catch the Senior Reader red-handed. However, the operation took a dramatic turn when Khan became suspicious and refused to accept the cash at the last moment, managing to evade immediate arrest.
Despite the failed physical trap, the ACB’s investigation was bolstered by substantial digital evidence, including:
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- Call Recordings: Verifying the bribe demands.
- Transcripts: Detailed documentation of the negotiations.
Legal Action and Next Steps
Based on the strength of the electronic evidence, the ACB has officially registered an FIR under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation has now been handed over to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vandana Bhati, who is leading the probe into the official’s conduct and potential broader corruption within the Tribunal’s administrative wing.
This case marks another significant step in the ACB’s ongoing crackdown on administrative irregularities and judicial-adjacent corruption in Rajasthan.
