Corruption Cases Against Public Servants in Asansol

Bribery and abuse of office by government officials in Asansol are prosecuted under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 by the Anti-Corruption Branch. A trap case requires the demand to be verified, marked currency notes and independent witnesses. Complaining after payment rarely succeeds, and a false complaint exposes the complainant to prosecution.

Key facts at a glance

Step-by-step procedure

1. Step 1: Do not pay the bribe; record the demand details — amount, place, date and the official's designation.
2. Step 2: Approach the Anti-Corruption Branch with a written complaint and the file details.
3. Step 3: The ACB verifies the demand, arranges phenolphthalein-marked currency notes and independent witnesses.
4. Step 4: The trap is laid and the official is caught accepting the marked amount.
5. Step 5: The ACB registers the FIR and investigates; sanction for prosecution is sought from the competent authority.
6. Step 6: The case is tried by the Special Judge under the PC Act; the complainant appears as a witness.

Documents you need

• Written complaint specifying the demand, amount and official
• Details of the application or work pending with the official
• Currency notes to be used in the trap and their numbers recorded
• Independent witnesses for the trap
• Identity proof of the complainant
• Any prior written communication with the official

Common mistakes to avoid

• Paying the bribe first and then complaining, which leaves no trap evidence.
• Filing a false complaint to harass an official, which is itself a criminal offence.
• Not recording the demand amount and the exact official designation.
• Withdrawing as a witness later, which weakens the prosecution.

Where to go in Asansol

The Anti-Corruption Branch unit for the Asansol-Durgapur region handles trap cases. Prosecution is conducted before the Special Judge constituted under the PC Act in the Asansol sessions division.

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a bribe demand by a government official in Asansol?

Approach the Anti-Corruption Branch of West Bengal Police with a written complaint giving the official's name, designation, the demand amount and the pending work. Do not pay the bribe — the ACB arranges a trap with marked notes.

What is the punishment for taking a bribe under the PC Act?

Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 provides imprisonment of three to seven years and fine. Aggravated offences under Section 13 carry up to ten years.

Is prior sanction needed to prosecute a public servant in Asansol?

Yes. Under Section 19 of the PC Act, sanction from the competent authority is required before taking cognisance of an offence by a public servant, and its absence can vitiate the trial.

Can a private person be prosecuted in a bribery case?

Yes. The PC (Amendment) Act 2018 added Section 8 making the giving of an undue advantage by a commercial organisation or person an offence, so both sides of the transaction can be prosecuted.