Gujarat ACB Books Sarpanch, Dy Sarpanch, Others in Bribe Case

Valsad: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a case against the sarpanch, deputy sarpanch and a ward member of Udwada Gram Panchayat in Valsad district for allegedly demanding and accepting a ₹3 lakh bribe in connection with the proposed conversion of agricultural land for residential use.

The accused have been identified as Dharmendra alias Rajubhai Dahyabhai Patel, sarpanch of Udwada Gram Panchayat; Saros Behram Irani, deputy sarpanch; and Dharmishtha alias Jigiben, wife of Umeshchandra Patel, a member of Ward No. 4.

According to the ACB, the complainant had sought permission from the Udwada Area Development Authority (UADA) to change the zoning of his land from agricultural to residential. The accused allegedly demanded ₹3 lakh in return for passing the required resolutions in the Gram Panchayat committee and general meeting and facilitating the process.

The ACB alleged that the three accused acted in coordination and demanded the bribe from the complainant. As per the complaint, on the instructions of the sarpanch and deputy sarpanch, the ward member allegedly accepted ₹3 lakh from the complainant.

The ACB said the accused allegedly misused their official positions and committed criminal misconduct in connection with the demand and acceptance of the bribe.

A case has been registered at the Valsad and Dang ACB Police Station as G.R. No. 03/2026 under Sections 7(A), 12, 13(1)(3) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. DeshGujarat