Agriculture Dept SDO, asst arrested for taking bribe

Ambala, December 5

An officiating SDO of the Agriculture Department Parveen Joshi and his assistant Shubham were today arrested by the State Vigilance Bureau (VB) while allegedly taking Rs 5,000 bribe. Joshi was posted as quality control inspector, but presently he was also working as SDO, officials said.

According to information, Joshi had inspected Mohit Kumar’s shop in Matheri village, near here, on November 25 and pointed out various discrepancies in the business.

“Though there was no lapse on my part, but the SDO remained adamant to act against me,” alleged Mohit.

In his complaint to the VB, the shopkeeper alleged that the SDO demanded Rs 5,000 from him to settle the case.

Acting on his complaint, the VB team swooped down on the SDO’s office and no sooner the complainant handed him the money, the waiting sleuths caught him red-handed, officials said while adding that his assistant alleged to be involved in the case was also arrested. “They will be produced before a local court tomorrow,” officials added. — TNS