Case against BAP MLA backed by audio, video, forensic proof: ACB

Jaipur: Even as the arrest of BAP MLA Jaikrishn Patel is set to stir a political controversy in Rajasthan, Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) claimed Sunday that it had substantial evidence showing both the demand and acceptance of a bribe by the MLA.
According to ACB officials, the case is backed by over 10 audio and video recordings, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence, including phenolphthalein stains on Patel's hands after he allegedly came into contact with marked currency.
The initial complaint was filed on April 4, and verification of the bribery claim was conducted April 25 in Banswara. During this process, ACB recorded conversations in which Patel allegedly made explicit demands for money. In one recording, Patel was reportedly heard saying, "2.5 to dene hi padenge," which the complainant initially understood as Rs 2.5 lakh. However, he later realised that Patel meant Rs 2.5 crore.
During the verification in Banswara, Patel was said to be extremely cautious. The ACB complainant, Ravindra Kumar Meena, was accompanied by an ACB team and a few others. However, Patel's supporters allegedly forced everyone except Meena to exit the vehicle. They then made him drive around to ensure he wasn't being followed before Patel accepted Rs 1 lakh from him.
Following this, ACB began planning a trap. Meena told officials that Patel contacted him again, urgently demanding money for a wedding in his family. Meena agreed to provide Rs 20 lakh and proposed handing over the amount on April 1, but the operation was delayed as he insisted on delivering the money to Patel personally.
The final exchange took place Sunday. Patel allegedly agreed to accept the bribe at his apartment. A middleman, identified as Vikki alias Vijay Kumar, picked up Meena from his Malviya Nagar residence and took him to the MLA's apartment. Once there, Patel reportedly brought Vikki into his flat for a private conversation, which was also recorded. Patel later came down to the building's parking lot, where he allegedly took the bag of money.
According to officials, Patel counted the cash before handing the bag to an aide, now identified as Rohit, who then fled with the money..