Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Lokayukta Trap Catches NVDA Sub-Engineer Taking ₹14,000 Bribe
A government engineer in Madhya Pradesh was accused of asking a contractor for extra money.
The contractor said the money was needed to receive unpaid bills and get back a security deposit.
The contractor reported the alleged demand to the Lokayukta anti-corruption officials.
Officials checked the complaint and planned a trap.
They then allegedly caught the engineer receiving ₹14,000.
The incident happened at a government office in Punasa.
The engineer was identified as Ashok Gautam, who is expected to retire in about two months.
A legal case has been registered, and further action has begun.
Lokayukta officials allegedly caught NVDA sub-engineer Ashok Gautam accepting ₹14,000 in Punasa, Khandwa.
Gautam allegedly demanded ₹55,000 from contractor Lakhan Rathore to release pending payments and refund a security deposit.
Rathore had completed an NVDA contract for a watchman's cabin and generator room in Punasa.
Rathore approached the Lokayukta office in Indore on September 10 after officials allegedly verified his complaint.
A case was registered against Gautam under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
- Who
- NVDA sub-engineer Ashok Gautam and contractor Lakhan Rathore were involved; Lokayukta officials conducted the operation.
- What
- Gautam was allegedly caught accepting ₹14,000 after allegedly demanding ₹55,000 to clear pending payments and refund a security deposit.
- When
- The alleged trap took place on Wednesday; Rathore filed his complaint on September 10.
- Where
- The alleged bribe-taking occurred in the technical section of Narmada Development Division No. 28's office in Punasa, Khandwa district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- The alleged payment was sought to release Rathore's pending contract payments and return his security deposit.
- Accused official
- Ashok Gautam, a 61-year-old NVDA sub-engineer
- Alleged bribe demanded
- ₹55,000
- Amount allegedly accepted
- ₹14,000
- Contract value paid
- Approximately ₹13 lakh had been paid to Rathore
- Contract work
- Construction of a watchman's cabin and generator room in Punasa
- Legal provision
- Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018
- Operation leadership
- The team acted under Lokayukta SP Rajesh Sahay and was led by Inspector Sachin Pateriya