ACB Arrests Two Veterinary Doctors and Jaipur Municipal Officials in ₹15 Lakh Bribery Case Linked to Street Dog Vaccination Firm
Major Anti-Corruption Bureau Action in Civic Animal Welfare Sector
On 16 February 2026, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested two government veterinary doctors—Dr. Rakesh Kaloria and Dr. Yogesh Sharma—along with a contractual worker, Jitendra Singh Shekhawat, in connection with a bribery case inside the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. The arrests were made after the officials were caught accepting a ₹4 lakh bribe, part of a larger ₹15 lakh demand from a firm engaged in street dog vaccination and sterilisation programs.
Bribe Demand and Harassment
Investigators revealed that the complainant, a doctor running the vaccination firm, was repeatedly harassed by the accused officers for money. Despite warnings from a senior IAS officer, the harassment continued.
In December 2025, the accused allegedly met the complainant at a restaurant in Chitrakoot and offered a corrupt deal:
“Pay ₹2 lakh every month this year, and commit any corruption you want. Next year the rate will increase to ₹3.3 lakh per month.”
When the complainant refused, the veterinary doctors issued multiple notices against his firm the very next day, escalating pressure despite his legitimate work in street dog welfare.
Involvement of Senior IAS Officers
The complainant informed a senior IAS officer about the bribe demand. The officer warned the doctors, who temporarily stopped harassment but soon resumed. Acting on the officer’s advice, the complainant filed a formal complaint with the ACB, leading to a planned trap operation.
ACB Trap and Arrests
On 16 February, ACB officials caught Jitendra Singh Shekhawat red-handed while accepting ₹4 lakh as part of the bribe. Following this, both veterinary doctors were taken into custody, interrogated, and subsequently sent to judicial custody.
The bribe was linked to the approval of bills worth approximately ₹75 lakh, connected to the sterilisation of stray dogs, including procedures for the removal of uterus and testicles.
Threats and Intimidation
The complainant reported that even after their arrest, the doctors threatened him in court, warning that they would attempt to shut down his firm. Earlier, when he had approached the former DC of Jaipur Municipal Corporation, his complaints were allegedly dismissed and laughed off.
Background and Context
The arrests come at a time when the Supreme Court is closely monitoring dog bite cases and placing increased scrutiny on street dog sterilisation and vaccination programs in Rajasthan. The accused doctors allegedly exploited their official positions to demand illegal commissions from firms engaged in civic animal welfare work, undermining the credibility of the initiative and eroding public trust.
Significance of the Case
The arrests highlight:
The ACB’s proactive role in tackling corruption within civic bodies.
The vulnerability of welfare programs to exploitation by officials.
The need for greater accountability and oversight in animal welfare initiatives, especially under judicial scrutiny.
This case underscores how corruption in public health and welfare sectors can directly impact both governance and community safety.
