2 Jalna civic officials in ACB net for accepting Rs 40,000 bribe

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The anti-corruption bureau on Thursday arrested two Jalna Municipal Corporation officials for allegedly accepting a Rs 40,000 bribe from a social activist in exchange for acting on encroachments and cleaning a drain in the city, officials said.

The accused have been identified as Bhaulaal Rathod (57), in-charge assistant encroachment squad chief, and Shyamson Kasbe (51), in-charge assistant encroachment removal squad chief.

According to ACB superintendent of police Madhuri Kedar Kangane, the complainant, a 37-year-old social activist, had approached the municipal commissioner seeking removal of encroachments and cleaning of a drain stretch between Mama Chowk and Kolu Teli Ghana Sangh. Despite directions from the deputy commissioner to inspect the site and take action, the officials allegedly delayed the process.

Officials said that when the complainant followed up, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 40,000 to carry out the encroachment removal and drain cleaning work.

Unwilling to pay the bribe, the activist approached the ACB in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. ACB inspector Valmik Kore said the complaint was verified, and during the procedure on March 20, the accused allegedly reiterated their demand and agreed to accept the amount.

Acting on the complaint, the ACB laid a trap on Thursday at Baba Tea House near Dawa Market Gate in Jalna’s old Mondha area. Kasbe was caught allegedly accepting the bribe in the presence of panch witnesses, while Rathod was later taken into custody. ACB said Rs 40,000 in tainted cash was seized from the accused, along with their mobile phones for further analysis.

A case has been registered under sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is underway.