A recent report has brought to light several corruption cases involving corporators from Surat city, with accusations spanning across members from various political parties. The document outlines instances where these public officials allegedly accepted substantial bribes, raising serious concerns about governance and accountability in the city.
BJP Corporators Under Scrutiny
Neelaben Laxmanbhai Golakiya, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been accused of accepting a bribe of ₹3,40,000. The case was filed against her on February 23, 2017, with the final charge sheet being submitted on March 16, 2017.
Another BJP corporator, Dineshbhai Rambhai Patel, faces similar allegations. Patel is accused of accepting a bribe of ₹3,54,000, with the case filed on February 22, 2018. The charge sheet in his case was finalized on August 10, 2018.
Manojbhai Bharwad, also from the BJP, has been implicated in a case involving a bribe of ₹3,10,000. This case was initiated on February 19, 2019, and the charge sheet was filed on August 7, 2019.
Allegations Against INC Members
Tilakbhai Rajendrakumar Bhabhor, a corporator from the Indian National Congress (INC), was accused of accepting a bribe of ₹3,40,000. The case was filed on February 19, 2019, and the charge sheet was posthumously filed on March 31, 2022.
Kapilbhai Padhyar Patel, another INC member, is accused of accepting a bribe of ₹3,15,000. The case against him was filed on March 13, 2020, with the charge sheet being completed on March 23, 2022.
AAP Corporators Also Implicated
The report also highlights allegations against corporators from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Chandubhai Patel and Vipulbhai have been accused of accepting a significant bribe of ₹31,00,000. The case was filed on June 2, 2023, but the final charge sheet is still pending.
A Cross-Party Concern
These allegations span across party lines, implicating members of the BJP, INC, and AAP in corrupt practices. The involvement of these public officials in such activities has sparked widespread concern among citizens, with many calling for increased transparency and accountability in local governance.
As these cases continue to unfold, the citizens of Surat are closely watching the actions of their elected representatives, demanding stricter measures to curb corruption and ensure integrity within the city’s administration.
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