Anand: The Gujarat Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday trapped an orthopedic surgeon working at General Hospital Anand while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 3,000 for a finger surgery that was supposed to be provided free of cost under government rules.

According to ACB officials, the complainant approached the agency alleging that the accused, Dr. Chintan Snehalbhai Shah, a contract-based orthopedic surgeon, demanded money for conducting surgery on his friend’s finger. However, as per government provisions, the surgery falls under treatment that is to be offered free of charge.

During initial discussions, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 6,500 as a bribe for performing the operation. Following negotiations, the amount was reduced to Rs 4,000. Officials said the accused had already accepted Rs 1,000 from the complainant and later demanded the remaining Rs 3,000.

Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the Anand ACB office and lodged a complaint. Based on the complaint, the ACB laid a trap on Tuesday.

During the operation, the accused allegedly reiterated the demand and accepted Rs 3,000 from the complainant. ACB officials recovered the entire amount from the accused at the scene.

The agency stated that by allegedly demanding and accepting illegal gratification while misusing his position as a public servant, the accused committed an offence of criminal misconduct. Further investigation is underway. DeshGujarat