In a major operation against corruption, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Bundi, Rajasthan, has arrested a field officer from the State Bank of India (SBI) for taking a bribe. The officer, named Lalit Parashar, was caught red-handed while accepting ₹20,000 in bribes. This situation highlights serious concerns about corruption in the banking system, especially in relation to loans for farmers.
What Happened?
The story begins when a farmer named Phoolchand Meena applied for a Kisan Samriddhi loan. This type of loan helps farmers access money for their agricultural needs. Phoolchand applied for a loan of ₹8 lakh for 18 to 20 bigha of land owned by his father. However, Lalit Parashar, the field officer responsible for processing this loan, demanded ₹20,000 from Phoolchand in exchange for approving the loan application.
Feeling pressured and harassed, Phoolchand decided to report the corruption. He called the ACB helpline (1064) to file a complaint against Lalit Parashar. His complaint led to a swift response from the ACB team.
The Investigation Process
Once the ACB received Phoolchand’s complaint, they quickly started investigating the matter. The ACB team conducted two rounds of secret checks on October 19 and October 28 to confirm the farmer’s claims. During these checks, they found clear evidence that Lalit Parashar had indeed asked for a bribe to approve the loan.
After gathering sufficient evidence, the ACB planned a trap to catch the officer in the act. They arranged for Phoolchand to deliver the bribe money to Lalit Parashar, while the ACB agents closely monitored the situation to ensure everything was handled correctly.
The Arrest
On the day of the operation, Phoolchand was instructed to go to a designated location where Lalit Parashar would be waiting. When Parashar accepted the bribe of ₹20,000 from the farmer, the ACB agents moved in quickly and arrested him. This successful operation was a significant step in fighting corruption in the banking sector.
Next Steps for the ACB
After the arrest, the ACB team began interrogating Lalit Parashar. They want to uncover more information about his activities and whether he is part of a larger network of corruption within the bank. The ACB aims to ensure that such corrupt practices do not continue and that farmers can access loans without facing demands for bribes.
Importance of Kisan Samriddhi Loans
The Kisan Samriddhi loan scheme is essential for farmers as it provides them with direct financial support. Under this scheme, farmers can borrow amounts ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh based on their land and payment history. This financial assistance helps them improve their farming operations and support their families.
The demand for bribes from officials like Lalit Parashar can discourage farmers from seeking the loans they need, which can have serious consequences for their livelihoods. The ACB’s action in this case is a positive move toward ensuring that farmers are treated fairly and can access loans without any corruption.
Conclusion
The arrest of Lalit Parashar by the ACB is a crucial step in the fight against corruption in the banking system. It serves as a reminder that corrupt practices will not be tolerated, and efforts will be made to protect the interests of farmers. The ACB’s work will hopefully lead to a more transparent and fair system, allowing farmers to access the financial support they need to thrive.
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