Chandigarh/Rohtak, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB) has arrested two employees of the Haryana Waqf Board, Sonipat, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 3 lakh. The arrested officials have been identified as Estate Officer Mohammad Saleem and Rent Clerk Mohammad Tahir. The role of a third accused, a private individual named Saleem, is also under investigation. He is reportedly absconding.
Bribe Allegedly Demanded for Issuing Lease-Related Receipts
According to the complaint, the complainant and three associates had applied to the Haryana Waqf Board last year for the lease of shop plots in Gohana. During the application process, approximately Rs 3 lakh was allegedly collected from the complainant at different times, but receipts for these payments were not issued.
About a month ago, the private individual, Saleem, allegedly informed the complainant that the processing of the files belonging to him and his associates had been completed. The complainant was then asked to bring Rs 3 lakh to the Waqf Board office in Sonipat, where receipts were to be issued and affidavits related to the lease agreements were to be obtained.
When the complainant sought clarification about the amounts that would be mentioned on the receipts, he allegedly did not receive a clear response. According to the complaint, the circumstances raised suspicions that the government employees and the private individual were acting in collusion to obtain money through improper means.
ACB Sets Up Trap, Recovers Rs 3 Lakh
Acting on the complaint, the ACB laid a trap near Shri Shyam Sweets on the Gohana-Kharkhoda Road. During the operation, Estate Officer Mohammad Saleem and Rent Clerk Mohammad Tahir, both posted at the Haryana Waqf Board office in Sonipat, were arrested while allegedly accepting the Rs 3 lakh bribe. The entire amount was recovered at the spot.
The trap was laid by the ACB Unit in Jind. Shashank, Executive Engineer with the Haryana State Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (HSRDC), Jind, was present as the gazetted officer during the operation.
Two Officials Arrested; Private Individual Reportedly Absconding
The arrested Estate Officer, Mohammad Saleem, is a resident of Civil Lines Colony, Thana Road, Nuh. Rent Clerk Mohammad Tahir resides near the Tehsil Office in Pataudi, Gurugram district.
The third accused, Saleem, is reportedly a private individual who was allegedly working as a peon at the Waqf Board without a formal appointment. His role in the case is being investigated, and he remains absconding.
An FIR, numbered 35 and dated October 28, 2026, has been registered at the SV&ACB police station in Rohtak under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigation and legal proceedings are underway.
Action Under Haryana Government’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau is continuing its efforts to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in government departments in accordance with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s directions. The government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, with action being taken against those found involved in such cases in accordance with the law.
The ACB has appealed to the public to report any government official or employee who demands a bribe in exchange for performing official duties. Complaints can be lodged through the ‘Satark Haryana’ mobile app, toll-free helpline numbers 1064 and 1800-180-2022, or WhatsApp number 94178-91064, so that appropriate action can be taken.
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