Talathi Arrested by ACB for Accepting ₹2 Lakh Bribe in Land-Record Case
An official from a tehsil office was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau while accepting a ₹2 lakh bribe to correct land-record entries — probe underway.
Pune | November 12, 2025: A talathi from Daund tehsil in Pune district has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) after being caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹2 lakh to make corrections in a land record entry. The incident has once again exposed the deep-rooted corruption within the land administration system, where ordinary citizens are often forced to pay illegal gratification to get basic official work done.
According to officials, the complainant had purchased a piece of agricultural land in Delwadi village in 2012. In August this year, he submitted an application to the local revenue office seeking rectification of certain errors in the 7/12 extract, a critical document that reflects ownership and usage of land. Despite several follow-ups, the talathi kept delaying the process, allegedly demanding ₹4 lakh in exchange for approval. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to ₹2 lakh, which was agreed to be paid in two instalments.
Unwilling to succumb to the demand, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which verified the authenticity of the complaint and subsequently laid a trap. The ACB team organized the operation at a canteen in Kedgaon Chowfula, where the accused official was caught accepting the first instalment of ₹2 lakh in cash. He was immediately detained, and a case was registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the official had developed a pattern of using bureaucratic loopholes to extract money from citizens, exploiting delays in the verification and approval of land records. Officials believe such practices have become a widespread menace in rural areas, where the dependency on talathis and clerical officers for land documentation is high. The ACB has seized relevant files and is now examining other cases handled by the same official to determine if more irregularities occurred.
Experts point out that land record manipulation remains one of the most corruption-prone areas in local administration. A single incorrect or delayed entry in the 7/12 extract can create major hurdles for landowners, particularly when it comes to selling, inheriting, or securing loans on their property. This vulnerability is often exploited by corrupt officers who leverage procedural delays to extract bribes.
The ACB has reiterated that such corrupt acts will not be tolerated and urged citizens to immediately report any instances of bribery or extortion by government officials. The department has also recommended measures to improve transparency in the land record system, such as digital applications, real-time tracking, and public access to file progress — all aimed at reducing human interference in administrative processes.
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