Copyright newskarnataka
Jaipur: A major corruption scandal has emerged in Rajasthan after a government officer’s wife allegedly received ₹37.54 lakh as “salary” from two private companies despite never working for them. The issue came to light following a petition filed in the Rajasthan High Court, leading to an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The accused officer, Pradyuman Dixit, serves as a Joint Director in the Department of Information Technology at RajComp Info Services, a State-owned enterprise handling IT-related projects. According to ACB officials, Dixit allegedly used his position to secure tenders for two private firms—OrionPro Solutions and Treegen Software Limited—in exchange for illegal payments made through his wife, Poonam Dixit. Between January 2019 and September 2020, Poonam Dixit received ₹37,54,405 from the two companies into her five personal bank accounts. Investigators found that the money was listed as salary, even though she never visited either company’s offices. Payments masked as employment According to the ACB investigation, both firms transferred regular monthly amounts to Poonam Dixit’s accounts while she was shown on their payrolls as an employee or freelancer. The inquiry also found that Pradyuman Dixit himself approved fake attendance records to legitimise the payments. Officials stated that the arrangement was a clear quid pro quo deal, as both companies benefited from government contracts during the same period. A senior ACB officer said, “Evidence indicates that these payments were kickbacks disguised as salaries. The officer abused his authority to grant tenders and received money through his wife.” High Court petition led to probe The case surfaced after a complainant approached the Rajasthan High Court, seeking intervention against alleged misuse of office. Acting on the court’s order dated September 6, 2024, the ACB began a preliminary investigation on July 3, 2025. The inquiry uncovered that Poonam Dixit was simultaneously listed as an employee at OrionPro Solutions and receiving freelance payments from Treegen Software Limited, both of which had recently secured State IT contracts. Dual payments and fake documents Investigators found multiple salary slips, attendance sheets, and vouchers that were allegedly fabricated and approved by Pradyuman Dixit. The salary deposits coincided with the approval of tenders, strengthening the suspicion of corruption. The ACB has also traced how funds moved through five different accounts belonging to Poonam Dixit during the 20-month period. Companies under scrutiny Both OrionPro Solutions and Treegen Software Limited are now under investigation for their role in the alleged bribery scheme. Officials believe the firms used Poonam Dixit’s fake employment as a means to transfer money in exchange for favourable treatment in tender approvals. Legal and disciplinary action The ACB has submitted its preliminary findings and is expected to register a formal FIR soon. Officials have recommended departmental proceedings against Pradyuman Dixit for violating service conduct rules and misusing his official position. If found guilty, Dixit and the company representatives involved could face charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as well as sections of the Indian Penal Code for forgery and cheating. Widening corruption concerns The case has sparked outrage among transparency advocates, who say it exposes systemic weaknesses in government tendering processes. Anti-corruption groups have urged authorities to strengthen digital tender monitoring and enforce disclosure of officials’ financial links to prevent such conflicts of interest. The Rajasthan High Court is expected to oversee the progress of the investigation, which could set a precedent for stricter scrutiny of government contracts and public servants’ conduct.
