Vigilance Department Registers Case Against Patwari for Alleged Bribery in Relief Fund Distribution

In the district of Mandi, specifically in Dharampur, a case has been filed against a patwari (revenue officer) following allegations of soliciting a bribe for issuing disaster relief funds. The Vigilance Department’s team took action against the accused patwari based on charges of corruption lodged by the affected family. The complainant, Geeta Devi, residing in Kohan, Dr. Sajyopuploo Tehsil Dharampur, reported that her house was damaged during heavy rainfall.

Geeta Devi accused the patwari, Rajesh Vimal, responsible for distributing relief funds, of demanding a bribe of ₹50,000 to process the second installment of the relief fund. According to the complainant, she had already paid ₹50,000 as a bribe during the distribution of the first installment last month. The audio recording of the conversation between the complainant and the accused went viral on social media after the complaint was filed with the Chief Minister’s grievance redressal service on January 22, 2024.

The Vigilance Department’s team, following the dissemination of the audio clip, contacted the complainant and initiated an inquiry. Subsequently, based on the allegations, a case has been registered against the patwari. ASP Vigilance Kulbhushan Verma informed that the case was filed late last night, and the investigating officer is present at the scene. Further actions and proceedings are underway.