India
Madhya Pradesh Engineer Suspended After Comment on Voluntary Bribe Acceptance
The Madhya Pradesh government suspended C B Ahirwar, an executive engineer in the Water Resources Department’s Panna division, effective immediately by order dated 30 October. The suspension followed remarks he made to the media on 28 October, in which he said he would accept money if it was offered voluntarily, even though he did not demand it. The order described his conduct as “unbecoming” of a government servant and a violation of the state’s service rules.
The action came two days after a Lokayukta operation on 27 October in which two Water Resources Department employees in Panna were caught accepting a bribe of Rs 45,000 from contractor Gaurav Tomar, who was working on a canal sluice under the Majhgayan Medium Project. The alleged bribe was for the approval of Tomar’s fourth and final bill. Divisional accounts officer Deepak Singh Parmar and assistant grade‑II employee Arvind Kumar Pathak were caught in the operation, but Ahirwar was not among those arrested.
When questioned about a fixed percentage for contractors, Ahirwar said the department had no set percentage and that he was happy to accept money if it was given willingly. He acknowledged that accepting money voluntarily was illegal but maintained that he never demanded money from contractors and was satisfied with his government salary.
The suspension order, issued by the Water Resources Department in Bhopal, stated that Ahirwar’s statements were made on 28 October and subsequently circulated on social media. It further noted that his conduct was contrary to the behaviour expected of a government servant, reflected indiscipline, and fell under misconduct, violating Rule 3(1)(a) of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965. He was suspended under Rule 9(1)(a) of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966. During the suspension, his headquarters will be the office of the Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, in Bhopal, and he will receive a subsistence allowance.
Frequently asked questions
Why was C B Ahirwar suspended?
He was suspended because he said he would accept money if offered voluntarily, which is contrary to MP civil service rules.
What incident preceded his suspension?
Two Water Resources Department employees were caught accepting a Rs 45,000 bribe from contractor Gaurav Tomar on 27 October.