The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Rajasthan has arrested Bagidora (Banswara) MLA Jaikrishna Patel red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹20 lakh to withdraw questions in the Assembly. This marks the first time in Rajasthan that an MLA has been arrested for accepting a bribe.
Patel is a member of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), which won the Bagidora seat in a by-election last year.
ACB Director General Ravi Prakash Mehrda stated that the MLA initially demanded ₹10 crore from the complainant and, after negotiations, agreed on ₹2.5 crore to withdraw Assembly questions related to the mining department. The ₹20 lakh was the first installment of the deal.
“We laid a trap and caught the MLA red-handed while accepting the bribe. His hands tested positive when washed, confirming contact with the money. We have both audio and video evidence of him accepting the bribe. However, the cash could not be recovered, as one of the MLA’s accomplices fled with the money. A search is underway to locate him,” said DG Mehrda.
The DG added that the Speaker of the Rajasthan Assembly, Vasudev Devnani, and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma were informed prior to the operation.
The ACB is currently searching the MLA’s residence, and several mobile numbers are under surveillance.
The Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), to which the accused MLA belongs, is emerging as a significant political force in the tribal-dominated regions of South Rajasthan. The party currently holds four Assembly seats in Rajasthan and one seat in the Lok Sabha.
The party’s convener and MP, Rajkumar Roat, said, “This appears to be a conspiracy. However, if the MLA is found guilty, the party will take appropriate action against him.”
