ACB Busts Gujarat Electrical Inspector Running Solar NOC Bribery Racket From Office

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested a senior government official in Gujarat after allegedly uncovering a bribery racket linked to approvals for solar energy projects. Ashwin B. Chaudhari, who was serving as the chief electrical inspector in Gandhinagar, was intercepted by ACB officials following a tip-off and was allegedly found carrying Rs 5.51 lakh in cash. Investigators later identified the amount as suspected bribe money, prompting a wider probe into his activities and financial dealings.

According to the ACB, Chaudhari allegedly expedited the processing of files and issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for solar power projects without following mandatory procedures. Officials claim that approvals were granted within a single day, bypassing the required on-site inspections that form a key part of the verification process. Investigators suspect that these approvals were provided in exchange for illegal payments from project developers and intermediaries seeking faster clearances.

The investigation gained momentum after authorities examined records linked to recently approved projects. Preliminary findings indicate that more than 100 files may have been cleared through the alleged fraudulent process. Officials are now reviewing documentation associated with these approvals to determine whether regulations were violated and whether additional beneficiaries were involved in the scheme.

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Following Chaudhari’s detention, ACB teams conducted simultaneous searches at his government accommodation in Sector-19, Gandhinagar, and his private residence at Shilp Residency in Surat’s Vesu area. During the raids, officials reportedly recovered assets valued at approximately Rs 2.64 crore. The seized assets included around Rs 1.76 crore in cash and valuables, along with gold and silver bullion estimated to be worth nearly Rs 88.82 lakh.

The ACB has registered a formal case against the officer and launched a detailed examination of his financial records. Investigators are scrutinizing bank accounts, property documents, investment records, and other financial transactions to assess whether the recovered assets are disproportionate to his known sources of income. Authorities are also attempting to trace the origin of the seized funds and identify any additional individuals connected to the alleged bribery network.

The arrest has attracted significant attention within administrative circles because Chaudhari was a Class-1 officer with only eight months remaining before retirement. Despite drawing a monthly salary of more than Rs 1.70 lakh, investigators allege that he accumulated substantial unaccounted wealth through illegal means. The ACB has stated that the investigation remains ongoing and is expected to expand to include developers, consultants, and intermediaries who may have played a role in securing expedited approvals.

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