Ahmedabad – In a major development highlighting alleged corruption within district administration, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Rajendrakumar Patel, a 2015-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and former district collector of Surendranagar, in connection with a bribery-linked money laundering case. Patel is the second civil servant to be taken into custody by the ED in this high-profile investigation, which has put the spotlight on alleged systemic corruption at the collectorate level.

Patel was removed from his post as Surendranagar district collector on December 24, 2025, following the arrest of a deputy mamlatdar in connection with the same case. On Thursday evening, Patel was taken into ED custody in Gandhinagar and later brought to Surendranagar for investigation, officials said. The move comes after coordinated actions by the ED and the state’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which had earlier registered cases against Patel, his personal assistant Jayrajsinh Jhala, clerk Mayursinh Gohil, and deputy mamlatdar Chandrasinh Mori.

The case gained traction after authorities seized ₹67.5 lakh in cash from Mori’s residence. Investigators were reportedly unable to obtain a satisfactory explanation for the source of the cash. The ED treated the seized amount as proceeds of crime generated through corrupt practices, triggering a deeper investigation into financial irregularities linked to the collectorate.

Background and Career of Rajendrakumar Patel

Rajendrakumar Patel, a native of Ahmedabad, holds a bachelor’s degree in dental surgery and a postgraduate degree in public policy. His bureaucratic career spans various roles in revenue and district administration, including management of land, law and order, and coordination of multiple government departments at the district level. As Surendranagar collector, Patel wielded final authority over critical administrative functions, including land-use decisions, non-agricultural permissions, and other revenue-related approvals processed through the collectorate.

Officials emphasized that the case raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the district administration system, where procedural delays and bureaucratic discretion can be exploited for corrupt gains.

Allegations of Corruption and Misuse of Position

The ED has alleged that bribes were systematically collected as “speed money” to expedite applications, including routine files that would otherwise have been processed in a standard timeframe. According to the agency, officials deliberately delayed certain files and demanded payment to accelerate their movement. Investigators recovered multiple files from the collectorate that were allegedly manipulated in this manner, suggesting a broader pattern of corruption rather than an isolated incident involving a single official.

An ACB official involved in the investigation stated, “It appears that bribes were also taken for routine work by deliberately holding up files that were otherwise moving in the normal course and then demanding money to expedite them. Several such files have been recovered from the collectorate and are under examination. At this stage, it is difficult to assess the full scale of the alleged scam.”

Based on preliminary investigations, the ED alleged that proceeds of crime exceeding ₹1 crore were generated through the misuse of official position. Authorities are now working to identify properties and assets allegedly acquired using these illicit gains.

Impact on District Administration and Governance

The case has sparked scrutiny of district-level administration in Gujarat, particularly the role of collectorates in land and revenue management. As district collectors oversee land conversions, non-agricultural permissions, and other revenue approvals, allegations of corruption at this level can have widespread implications for governance and public trust.

Officials noted that the Surendranagar collectorate case illustrates the risks posed by concentration of discretionary power in administrative positions without adequate oversight. Analysts suggest that systemic checks and strengthened monitoring mechanisms are necessary to prevent exploitation of such discretion for personal gain.

Next Steps and Investigation

Following his arrest, Rajendrakumar Patel remains in ED custody as authorities continue their probe into the alleged corruption network. Investigators are examining financial records, official files, and communication trails to establish the extent of bribery and the possible involvement of other officials. The ED is also reviewing assets acquired through the alleged illicit proceeds to trace and recover properties tied to the crime.

The arrest of Patel underscores the increasing focus of regulatory agencies on bureaucratic corruption and financial misconduct in public administration. Legal experts note that such high-profile cases serve both as a warning to public officials and a signal of accountability to citizens.

Broader Implications

This case is the latest in a series of actions targeting alleged corruption at the district administration level in India. By holding officials accountable for misuse of power and illegal enrichment, authorities aim to reinforce transparency and integrity in government operations.

The ongoing investigation by the ED and ACB will be closely monitored for developments, including potential further arrests or identification of additional officials linked to the bribery network. With public attention focused on ensuring that officials at all levels adhere to ethical and legal standards, this case could have significant ramifications for governance practices in Gujarat and other states.

In conclusion, the arrest of Rajendrakumar Patel highlights the critical need for stringent oversight mechanisms, procedural transparency, and institutional accountability in district administration. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are tasked with uncovering the full scope of the alleged scam, recovering illicit assets, and ensuring that justice is delivered in accordance with the law.