Sonipat (Haryana):
A major corruption racket has been unearthed in the administrative offices of Sonipat after the arrest of the District Commissioner’s (DC) Personal Assistant (PA), Shashank Sharma. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) apprehended Shashank red-handed on June 20 while accepting a bribe, and subsequent investigations have revealed a deeper web of financial misconduct.
The probe has uncovered significant digital transactions totaling ₹76 lakh via UPI apps like Google Pay and PhonePe, allegedly sent by both government and private individuals linked to the DC office. In addition, a diamond-studded necklace worth ₹4 lakh was recovered from Shashank’s home — with no purchase bill or official explanation provided.
💠 ₹76 Lakh Transactions & Unaccounted Jewelry
Digital forensic analysis of Shashank’s iPhone 14 revealed substantial suspicious activity, including UPI transactions from a network of individuals. According to officials, many of these payments are linked to favors or illicit deals within the administrative framework.
During a raid at his home in Ashok Vihar, officials discovered ₹5.75 lakh in cash along with the unbilled diamond necklace, indicating a pattern of unaccounted luxury purchases funded through illegal means.
🔎 Lawyer’s Allegations: “PA Collected Bribes on DC’s Orders”
Advocate Rajesh Dahiya, representing the complainant, has made explosive claims — alleging that PA Shashank was collecting bribes at the behest of former DC Manoj Kumar Yadav. The lawyer has appealed to the Chief Minister to initiate a formal inquiry against the former DC as well.
According to Dahiya, “The DC is ultimately responsible for his subordinates. If such large-scale corruption occurred under his watch, he must come forward and be held accountable.” He also highlighted the lack of cooperation from Shashank in the ongoing investigation.
📌 4 Key Points in the Corruption Case:
1. Bribe Collection Network Uncovered – Accused Uncooperative
Shashank, reportedly working closely with various departments, had long been managing ‘collections’ across the DC office. He has yet to provide any valid documentation for the recovered diamond necklace and continues to avoid cooperating with investigators.
2. ₹76 Lakh Transferred via UPI from Government & Private Sources
Authorities have identified a staggering ₹76 lakh in digital transactions received through UPI by Shashank. These payments allegedly came from both government employees and private contacts linked to administrative favors and postings.
3. Suspected Employees Under Scanner
The ACB has begun compiling a list of government employees who transferred money to Shashank. These individuals are suspected of engaging in bribery for job postings, departmental clearances, and other administrative benefits.
4. Complete Audit & Account Scrutiny Underway
Each transaction is being subjected to a forensic audit to determine its purpose. Bank account details of involved individuals are being collected, and all will be called in for questioning as part of the evidence-gathering process.
🕵️ Background: The Bribe Case That Triggered the Arrest
According to the ACB, Shashank Sharma demanded ₹5 lakh from Jitendra Kumar, a staffer at the DC office, promising a transfer to the Rai Tehsil as a Registry Clerk. After accepting an advance of ₹1.5 lakh, Jitendra filed a formal complaint.
Acting on this, the ACB sent Jitendra with marked currency. Once Shashank accepted the bribe, the team moved in and arrested him on the spot. During a subsequent search of his office, ₹3.5 lakh in cash was recovered.
⚠️ Demand to Include Former DC in Investigation
Advocate Rajesh Dahiya has urged the state government and Chief Minister to expand the investigation to include the former DC. “A zero-tolerance policy means accountability at every level,” he said. “If the DC’s assistant was collecting bribes so freely, it raises serious questions about oversight and involvement.”
