Indore Engineer Nabbed for Demanding Bribe

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A junior engineer with Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company (MPPKVVCL) was arrested on Wednesday in Indore for allegedly demanding a bribe of ₹10,000 to facilitate a new electricity connection. The arrest was carried out by the Lokayukta police in a swift trap operation following a formal complaint by the affected consumer.

The engineer, identified as Dinesh Verma, was reportedly handling consumer service requests at one of the company’s regional offices in Indore. According to the complainant, Verma had demanded an unofficial payment to speed up the processing of an electricity connection despite all formalities and paperwork being completed.

The matter was brought to the attention of the Lokayukta’s Special Police Establishment, which acted promptly. After verifying the allegations, the team laid a trap. The complainant was provided with pre-recorded currency notes, which he was instructed to hand over to Verma during a monitored exchange. Once the bribe was accepted, the Lokayukta officers moved in and apprehended Verma at the scene.

Lokayukta police confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody and charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act. A formal investigation is now underway to determine whether Verma has been involved in other similar incidents or was part of a broader network engaging in corrupt practices within the electricity department.

Officials from the anti-corruption unit said the complainant’s decision to come forward played a critical role in the operation’s success. “Public cooperation is key in tackling corruption,” a senior Lokayukta officer noted, urging citizens to report any instances of bribery or misconduct by government employees.

The incident has sparked conversation in Indore, where residents have expressed frustration with routine corruption in public utilities. Many locals shared that demands for bribes in electricity and water supply-related services are a common challenge, despite ongoing digital reforms intended to reduce human intervention in service delivery.

While MPPKVVCL has not released an official statement regarding Verma’s arrest, internal sources suggest that departmental action, including suspension, is likely to follow. The company may initiate its inquiry in addition to the ongoing criminal proceedings.

This arrest adds to a string of recent corruption-related crackdowns in Madhya Pradesh. Over the past few months, the Lokayukta has intensified operations targeting government departments where public-facing roles have a higher susceptibility to bribery.

Observers note that while such arrests are a step in the right direction, systemic improvements are still necessary. Introducing stronger accountability measures, faster complaint redressal mechanisms, and regular audits could help deter similar behavior in the future.

The case serves as a reminder that government services must remain transparent and accessible to all citizens without the need for unlawful payments. As anti-corruption bodies continue their efforts, vigilance from the public will remain vital in exposing and preventing corrupt practices at the grassroots level.