In a significant operation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Nashik apprehended eight individuals on Tuesday, including six forest department officials, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 11,500 in Yeola city. The arrests were made following a complaint from a local resident who sought permission to fell teakwood trees for commercial purposes.
Details of the Trap
The accused were caught red-handed at the office of the Range Forest Officer after they demanded money from the complainant to process the required approval. The ACB team, led by Inspector Poonam Kedar and assisted by Inspector Pratibha Abuj and six constables, executed the operation under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Bharat Tangade of the ACB Nashik Range.
How the Bribe Was Distributed
According to ACB officials, the complainant had approached the forest office seeking clearance but was asked to pay bribes by multiple personnel, including a forester, forest guards, and clerical staff. Unwilling to comply, he lodged a complaint with the ACB. During the trap, a forest guard accepted Rs 7,000 on behalf of himself and a senior forester. A senior clerk and another forest guard each took Rs 1,000, while a forest worker received Rs 1,000. Two contractual workers collectively accepted Rs 1,500. Additionally, another forest worker was arrested for abetting the offence by pressuring the complainant to pay the bribe.
Legal Proceedings
The process of registering a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act was underway at the Yeola city police station. The ACB has launched a thorough investigation to identify any other individuals involved in the corrupt practice.
This operation underscores the ACB's commitment to tackling corruption in government departments, particularly in sectors like forestry where illegal activities can have severe environmental consequences. The swift action has been widely appreciated by locals, who hope it will deter future malpractice.
