Bhavnagar: More than 15 days after allegations of corruption related to a property transaction involving approval under the Disturbed Areas Act surfaced in the city, the Nilambaug police have registered an FIR against the accused, Momin M. Pathan, an outsourced driver attached to the then Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), for allegedly demanding lakhs of rupees on the pretext of securing official approval.

The case pertains to the proposed sale of a commercial property near Crescent Circle in Bhavnagar. Acting on a written complaint filed by the then Assistant Collector, Pratibha Dahiya, the police have initiated action and booked the accused.

According to the police, Pathan allegedly misused his position by falsely invoking the names and designations of government officials to facilitate illegal financial transactions. On March 17, 2026, audio and video clips purportedly featuring Pathan went viral on social media, in which he was allegedly heard negotiating monetary deals while claiming influence within the Collector’s office.

The complaint further states that Pathan had no authority to access or share official documents; however, he allegedly photographed sensitive records without permission and used them to lend credibility to his demands. He is also accused of leaking government documents through electronic means and soliciting money in the name of the administration.

Taking serious note of the irregularities, the police have registered a case against Pathan under Sections 318(2), 212, 204, 228, and 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and have initiated further investigation. DeshGujarat