Gujarat IAS Officer Suspended in Bribery-Linked Money Laundering Case

Arrest and Suspension

The Gujarat government has suspended IAS officer and former Surendranagar District Collector Rajendrakumar Patel following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a bribery-linked money laundering case. Patel, a 2015-batch officer, was arrested on January 2, 2026, and remanded to ED custody until January 7 by a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In its order, the State’s General Administration Department (GAD) stated that Patel’s suspension was automatic as his custody exceeded 48 hours. He was deemed suspended with effect from January 2 under Rule 3(2) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, pending further orders.

Background of the Case

Patel had been transferred without a posting last month after the ED arrested Deputy Mamlatdar Chandrasingh Mori in a related bribery case. Investigators allege that both officials were part of a network involved in systematic collection of bribes for land approvals.

Allegations by ED

According to the ED, Patel allegedly fixed bribe rates between ₹5 and ₹10 per square metre for granting approvals for change of land use (CLU). The agency claims that bribes were demanded as “speed money” to expedite CLU applications and were routed through intermediaries operating from the District Collector’s office.

Ongoing Investigation

The ED has registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the PMLA against Patel, Mori, and others. The probe is focused on uncovering the extent of money laundering and identifying the network of officials and intermediaries involved.

Implications

The case highlights concerns over corruption in land administration and the misuse of official authority. With Patel’s suspension, the state government has signaled strict action, while the ED continues its investigation into the alleged bribery and laundering operations.