Bhopal: In an administrative overhaul, the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta organisation has transferred key Superintendent of Police (SP)-rank officers across divisions following the viral circulation of a sting video exposing alleged bribe demands by its personnel in Bhopal.
Yogesh Deshmukh, Director General of the Lokayukta, issued the transfer orders directing the officers to immediately assume charge at their new postings until further instructions. The reshuffle involves senior officers in the Bhopal, Sagar and Rewa divisions.
Durgesh Kumar Rathore, who was serving as Lokayukta SP in the Bhopal division, has been transferred to the Sagar division.
In his place, Sunil Patidar, previously posted as SP in the Rewa division, has been assigned the responsibility of Lokayukta SP in Bhopal.
Concurrently, Yogeshwar Sharma, the SP in Sagar, has been shifted to Rewa
The move comes shortly after a high-profile sting operation by a media outlet allegedly caught Lokayukta employees demanding bribes of up to Rs 5 lakh to dilute corruption cases and manipulate evidence, including voice samples.
The video, which went viral, has raised serious questions about the integrity of the very agency tasked with combating corruption in the state.
This is not the first action taken in the matter.
Prior to the transfers, the services of two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) were returned to their parent Police Department. A letter was also sent to DGP Kailash Makwana recommending their suspension, indicating a broader clean-up drive within the organisation.
Head constable Ramdas Kurmi and constable Gaurav Sahu have also been suspended, while a proposal has been sent seeking the suspension of another head constable.
A contractual driver, Amit Vishwakarma, has been terminated from service.
Lokayukta officials have maintained a strong record in recent months, conducting several high-profile raids, including operations that led to the recovery of substantial assets such as gold, cash and luxury items from public servants accused of corruption.
However, the latest scandal has put the spotlight on internal vulnerabilities within the organisation.
Sources indicated that the reshuffle is aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring the impartial functioning of the anti-corruption body.
Durgesh Kumar Rathore, known for leading several notable operations, including raids on the Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s computer wing, brings considerable experience to his new assignment in Sagar.
Sunil Patidar, recognised for his strict approach in previous postings, is expected to strengthen oversight in the sensitive Bhopal unit.
(IANS)
