Bribery Scandal Unfolds: Hotelier's Trap Snares Corrupt Officials

Three officials, including an assistant commissioner and food safety officer, were arrested by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, for allegedly demanding a Rs 2 lakh bribe from a hotelier. The officials were caught through a sting operation initiated by the complainant.

A recent sting operation by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has led to the arrest of three officials, including Assistant Commissioner Bhavita Tandon and Food Safety Officer Pankaj, in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. They stand accused of demanding a Rs 2 lakh bribe to settle a notice issued under food safety regulations.

The bribery case was exposed when the complainant, Padam Chand, approached the bureau. He had been issued a notice for using unsafe cooking oil and misbranded papads. Allegedly, Tandon sought Rs 2 lakh to dispose of the notice.

A trap was set and the complainant handed over a partial payment of Rs 1.10 lakh to the peon, Keshav Ram, leading to the arrests. This case, registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, is now under further investigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)