Sub-divisional magistrate, panchayat official held for graft

Two persons, including a Sub-Divisonal Magistrate, were arrested by the Lokayukta police today for allegedly accepting Rs 30,000 as bribe from a former sarpanch, officials said.
SDM Abhay Singh Ohria and panchayat official Sitaram Patidar were caught red-handed by Lokayukta sleuths after a complaint by Oraal village resident Ramesh Mandloi, Lokayukta SP, Arun Mishra said.
Mandloi was the sarpanch of Sitapuri village and eight months ago, he was removed from the post after alleged irregularities in the construction of a school building.
Mandloi's case was pending in court and Ohria through Patidar had demanded Rs 50,000 from him (Mandloi) to "settle" the case in his favour, of which Rs 30,000 was to be the first installment, Mishra said.

Later, Mandloi tipped off Lokayukta sleuths about it, after which a trap was laid. Patidar was caught red-handed when Mandloi gave Rs 30,000 to him, he said.
The Lokayukta police has registered a case under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act against them.