Uttarakhand Cracks Down on Corruption: 94 Arrests, Senior Officials Suspended Under CM Dhami’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
Dehradun, July 17: Uttarakhand is witnessing an unprecedented crackdown on corruption under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Backed by a robust legal framework and administrative resolve, the state government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption has led to 94 arrests in the last four and a half years — including 13 gazetted officers.
According to official data, the Vigilance Department has conducted 82 trap operations, unearthing corruption across various departments, from engineering cadres to regulatory authorities.
Conviction Rate at 71%: A Policy That’s Delivering Results
Unlike previous political declarations that often ended in bureaucratic silence, the Dhami-led campaign is marked by courtroom outcomes and swift disciplinary actions. The anti-corruption drive boasts a 71% conviction rate, underlining the seriousness with which the government is pursuing cases.
The Chief Minister has emphasized that accused officials will not be allowed to hold sensitive positions until their cases are legally resolved.
High-Profile Arrests: Engineers, Managers, Excise Officers Booked
Some of the most notable corruption cases involve:
- A PWD Assistant Engineer in Nainital, caught red-handed soliciting a ₹10,000 bribe.
- A Junior Engineer from Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) in Dehradun, arrested for accepting ₹15,000.
- A Roadways Assistant General Manager in Kashipur, detained for demanding ₹90,000 in bribes.
- A District Excise Officer in Rudrapur, caught seeking a 10% commission on liquor consignments worth ₹10 lakh.
These cases reveal that the corruption network spans technical, administrative, and regulatory posts, and the government is not hesitating to act at any level.
Year-on-Year Rise in Arrests
The number of arrests shows a clear upward trend:
- 2021: 7 arrests
- 2022: 15 arrests
- 2023: 20 arrests
- 2024: 38 arrests
- 2025 (till mid-July): 14 arrests
This indicates not just better detection but also a stronger administrative and political will to confront corruption head-on.
Public Helpline & Fast-Tracked Prosecution
To empower citizens, a toll-free anti-corruption helpline (1064) has been launched, encouraging public participation in whistleblowing efforts.
Moreover, CM Dhami has directed that prosecution in trap cases be fast-tracked, ensuring that legal outcomes are not delayed by systemic red tape.
Top Officer Suspended Over Financial Misconduct
In a recent example of internal accountability, the Uttarakhand Drinking Water Corporation suspended Superintending Engineer Sujit Kumar Vikas following serious financial misconduct allegations.
The officer allegedly facilitated a ₹10 lakh transfer to a company linked to his wife in exchange for departmental favours. Despite being offered a chance to respond, he failed to submit any clarification, prompting swift disciplinary action.
The Corporation’s Chairman confirmed the seriousness of the charges and stated that Vikas’ continued presence in Haldwani could have damaged the morale of other honest officers.
He has been reassigned to the General Manager (Training) office in Roorkee while a formal inquiry is conducted.
CM Dhami’s Statement: Corruption Will Not Be Tolerated
Chief Minister Dhami has reiterated that the drive is not symbolic but a core governance priority. In various public statements, he has emphasized the need to rebuild public trust through transparency, accountability, and decisive action.
“There is no place for corruption in Uttarakhand. We are committed to cleansing the system and will continue taking strict action, regardless of position or department,” Dhami has said in earlier briefings.
Bureaucratic Reform in Action
What sets this campaign apart is its layered approach:
- Legal action through the Vigilance Department
- Administrative punishments, including suspensions and transfers
- Public engagement, through helplines and awareness
This strategy ensures that the crackdown is not limited to high-profile arrests but also involves long-term changes in bureaucratic behavior.
Public Reactions and Expert Opinions
Civil society groups and retired bureaucrats have praised the initiative, calling it a model for other states.
Dr. Anil Joshi, a governance expert, told TheTrendingPeople.com,
“This is not just about optics. When convictions start rolling in and suspensions are immediate, it sends a strong message through the system.”
Local residents, too, have welcomed the government’s tough stance. “It’s the first time we are seeing real action, not just headlines,” said Shivani Rawat, a school teacher in Dehradun.
Conclusion: A New Era in Uttarakhand Governance
With rising arrests, court-backed convictions, and clear administrative accountability, Uttarakhand is setting a new precedent in state-level anti-corruption enforcement.
Chief Minister Dhami’s zero-tolerance policy is no longer just a political slogan — it is now backed by data, decisions, and deterrence.
As the state moves forward, the focus appears to be on institutionalizing clean governance as a pillar of public service, ensuring that ethical conduct is not just expected but strictly enforced.