Dehradun: In a bizarre turn of events, a patwari in Dehradun, identified as Ghulam Haider, was caught red-handed accepting a Rs 2,000 bribe by the State Vigilance Department.
In a desperate attempt to destroy evidence, Haider swallowed four Rs 500 notes, leading to an unusual investigation involving medical scans and judicial proceedings.
उत्तराखंड : देहरादून में विजिलेंस ने पटवारी को 2 हजार रुपए रिश्वत लेते पकड़ लिया। फुर्ती दिखाते हुए पटवारी 500-500 के चारों नोट खा गया। विजिलेंस टीम CT स्कैन करवाने अस्पताल पहुंची। CT स्कैन रिपोर्ट में पेट में नोट नहीं दिखे। सुबूत के अभाव में पटवारी को बाइज्जत बरी कर दिया गया। pic.twitter.com/NVTkM6sNtl
— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) May 28, 2025
Caught in the act
The incident took place in Kalsi Tehsil, where Haider allegedly demanded a bribe in exchange for issuing domicile and caste certificates. Acting on a complaint, the Vigilance Department launched a secret operation, catching Haider in the act.
However, realizing he was about to be arrested, Haider quickly chewed and swallowed the bribe money, shocking the vigilance officers. Despite their attempts to stop him, he managed to consume all four Rs 500 notes before being taken into custody.
Medical examination & failed evidence retrieval
Following the incident, vigilance officials rushed Haider to a hospital for a CT scan, hoping to retrieve the swallowed notes as evidence. However, the scan failed to provide conclusive proof, leaving investigators without physical evidence of the bribery. Vigilance Director Dr. V. Murugesan confirmed that a case had been filed, and Haider was placed under custody, stating that other evidence supported the charges against him.
Judicial custody & legal proceedings
Despite the lack of physical evidence, Haider was produced in court on Tuesday, where the Kotdwar court ordered him to 14 days of judicial custody. He is currently lodged in Dehradun District Jail, awaiting further legal proceedings. Officials emphasized that the bribery charge remains valid, as the complainant’s testimony and surveillance records provide sufficient grounds for prosecution.
Anti-Corruption drive in Uttarakhand
The incident comes amid Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s strict anti-corruption campaign, which has led to multiple arrests of government officials involved in bribery. The Vigilance Department has intensified its crackdown, ensuring that corrupt practices are exposed and punished. Authorities believe that Haider’s desperate act reflects the growing fear among corrupt officials, as the government tightens its grip on unethical practices.
Public reaction
The case has sparked public outrage, with many demanding stricter action against corrupt officials. The Vigilance Department continues its investigation, ensuring that Haider faces appropriate legal consequences despite the failed attempt to destroy evidence.
