Mumbai Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabs Engineer in Bribery Sting
The Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully trapped and arrested a government engineer who was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh in Mumbai. The incident occurred on Thursday when Gajanan Rathod (40), an assistant electrical engineer, was caught red-handed while taking the illegal payment.
The Bribe Demand Escalation
According to ACB officials, the case began when a project manager from a company that installs and maintains electrical equipment like lifts approached Rathod for permission to install a lift in a building. The complainant had submitted the necessary file to the Santacruz inspection unit of the state government's power department in October.
When the project manager met Rathod on October 29, the public servant initially demanded a bribe of Rs 1.8 lakhs, asking for an immediate payment of Rs 50,000. Unwilling to participate in corruption, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau instead of paying the bribe.
After verifying the complaint, ACB officials instructed the project manager to contact Rathod again. During a phone conversation on November 12, Rathod dramatically increased his demand, now asking for Rs 4 lakhs - more than double the original amount. He instructed the complainant to bring an advance payment of Rs 1 lakh.
The Sting Operation and Arrest
Following Rathod's escalated demand, the ACB set up a trap operation. They asked the complainant to meet the engineer with the marked currency notes amounting to Rs 1 lakh. As Rathod accepted the money on Thursday, ACB officials moved in and caught him red-handed in the presence of independent witnesses, following standard procedure.
The Rs 1 lakh bribe was actually an installment toward the total demanded amount of Rs 4 lakhs. Rathod, being a public servant, was responsible for providing permissions for lift installations in buildings, a position he allegedly misused for personal gain.
An official confirmed that the arrested engineer was produced before the court on Friday. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by the Maharashtra Anti-Corruption Bureau to combat corruption among government officials, particularly those in positions that affect public services and infrastructure development.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the challenges faced by businesses in dealing with government permissions and the continued prevalence of corruption in certain departments. The ACB's successful operation demonstrates their commitment to addressing such issues and sending a strong message against corrupt practices.
The case also reveals how bribe demands can escalate when complainants resist initial demands, emphasizing the importance of reporting such incidents to authorities rather than succumbing to pressure.
