Startup founder says BBMP sought bribe for water connection, gave official & unofficial options
In a shocking revelation, a Bengaluru-based startup founder has come forward with allegations that officials from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) demanded bribes for granting permission for road-cutting work related to obtaining a water connection. Ravichandra Reddy, the founder, claimed that he was forced to navigate a complex and corrupt system, where officials presented him with both “official” and “unofficial” options for obtaining the necessary permissions.
According to Reddy, the issue began when he needed to obtain a water connection for his startup’s office. However, the water pipeline was located on the opposite side of the road, necessitating road-cutting work to lay the pipeline. Reddy approached the BBMP officials, expecting a straightforward process, but was instead met with demands for bribes.
The officials allegedly demanded ₹80,000 as the official payment for the road-cutting work, along with an additional ₹20,000 as a bribe. Reddy was taken aback by the blatant demand for a bribe and decided to explore other options. The officials then presented him with an “unofficial” option, where he could pay ₹40,000, but would have to restore the road himself after the pipeline work was completed.
Reddy’s experience highlights the deep-seated corruption that plagues the BBMP and other government agencies in Bengaluru. The fact that officials are openly demanding bribes, with clear options for “official” and “unofficial” payments, speaks to a culture of corruption that has become entrenched in the system.
The demand for bribes is not only unethical but also illegal. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, clearly prohibits government officials from demanding or accepting bribes. However, in Bengaluru, it appears that this law is being flouted with impunity.
Reddy’s case is not an isolated incident. Many entrepreneurs and citizens in Bengaluru have faced similar experiences, where they have been forced to pay bribes to obtain basic services like water connections, building permits, and other essential amenities. The corruption has become so rampant that it has become a major obstacle to doing business in the city.
The BBMP’s corruption has also led to a lack of trust among citizens, who feel that they are being extorted by the very officials who are supposed to serve them. The fact that Reddy was given “official” and “unofficial” options for obtaining the water connection highlights the brazen nature of the corruption.
To tackle this corruption, the BBMP needs to take immediate action. The agency should launch an investigation into Reddy’s allegations and take disciplinary action against the officials involved. The BBMP should also implement measures to increase transparency and accountability, such as online portals for applying for permissions and tracking the status of applications.
Furthermore, the government should consider introducing measures to incentivize whistleblowers like Reddy, who come forward to expose corruption. This could include protection for whistleblowers and rewards for those who provide information that leads to the conviction of corrupt officials.
In conclusion, the allegations made by Ravichandra Reddy are a stark reminder of the corruption that plagues the BBMP and other government agencies in Bengaluru. The fact that officials are openly demanding bribes, with clear options for “official” and “unofficial” payments, speaks to a culture of corruption that has become entrenched in the system. It is time for the government to take decisive action to tackle this corruption and ensure that citizens like Reddy can obtain basic services without being extorted.
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