Tapi: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Ravindra Ishwarbhai Patel, former Deputy Executive Engineer of the Ukai Mechanical Sub-Division in Tapi district, in connection with a bribery case dating back to 2021.

According to officials, Patel had allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹57,500 — amounting to 10% of a contractor’s bill of ₹5,74,950 — for clearing the payment. The contractor initially paid ₹10,000 and assured another payment of ₹20,000.

When Patel continued to demand the remaining amount, the contractor lodged a complaint with the ACB. A trap was set but failed to catch him red-handed. However, forensic examination of voice recordings confirmed the bribery demand.

Patel, who joined government service in 2003 and draws a monthly salary of ₹1.42 lakh, was promoted to Deputy Executive Engineer in 2022. He was serving at the Irrigation Sub-Division in Surat at the time of his arrest. A case has been registered against him at the Tapi ACB police station. DeshGujarat