A senior official of the Surat Municipal Corporation has been suspended following serious corruption allegations linked to a demolition case in the city. Vipul Ganeshwala, a Class I Executive Engineer posted in the South East Zone at Limbayat, was placed under suspension by Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan on February 21, 2026. The action comes after an Anti Corruption Bureau investigation into an alleged ₹15 lakh bribe demand to prevent the demolition of an unauthorized industrial unit in Surat.
Case Background
According to preliminary findings, the alleged bribe was demanded in exchange for halting demolition proceedings at the Santosh Sub Industrial Plot. The case surfaced after a businessman reportedly approached authorities with a complaint regarding the demand.
Key Allegations
- Use of Middleman: Investigators allege that Ganeshwala operated through a middleman, identified as Mohammed Ismail alias Parwana Pathan, who is reportedly associated with a local publication. The middleman allegedly handled negotiations related to the bribe demand.
- ACB Trap Operation: On February 19, the Anti Corruption Bureau conducted a trap operation at Pathan’s office. Officials claim that an initial installment of ₹4 lakh was accepted during the operation. However, the suspect allegedly detected the trap and fled from the scene with the cash. Authorities have confirmed that recovery efforts are ongoing.
- Recovery of Assets: Subsequent searches carried out by the ACB reportedly led to the seizure of gold and silver ornaments valued at approximately ₹55 lakh from a bank locker linked to the accused. Investigators are examining whether these assets are disproportionate to known sources of income.
Current Status
As of February 22, both the suspended engineer and the alleged middleman are reported to be absconding. Multiple police teams have been deployed to trace their whereabouts. Further departmental and criminal proceedings are expected depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Broader Implications
The case has once again brought attention to corruption risks within urban development and demolition enforcement systems. Surat Municipal Corporation officials have stated that strict action will be taken if allegations are proven, reinforcing a zero tolerance policy toward corruption.