Navi Mumbai: The Raigad Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) laid a trap on Tuesday and arrested the circle officer of the Panvel tehsildar office for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 from a Panvel resident. The bribe was demanded for registering the 7/12 extract document of a land parcel belonging to the complainant and his wife in Panvel taluka.
Details of the Arrest
The arrested accused has been identified as Govardhan Mane (49), a class-3 officer residing in Khopoli. According to Raigad ACB Deputy SP Sarita Bhosale, a complaint was lodged on May 16 by a Panvel resident at the Raigad ACB office in Alibaug. The complainant alleged that Mane demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 for registering the 7/12 extract of a 4.22 guntha (approximately 426.94 square metres) land parcel at Gavdevi pada village, Panvel taluka, belonging to him and his wife.
Verification and Negotiation
During verification of the complaint on May 18 and 19, it was found that Mane, after negotiations, settled for a bribe of Rs 30,000. Out of this amount, Rs 20,000 was for himself, and the remaining Rs 10,000 was intended for the employee responsible for obtaining the thumb impression of the land owner for property registration with the revenue department.
The Trap
On the evening of May 19, a trap was set in the presence of government witnesses near Mithas sweet shop, adjacent to Panchmukhi Hanuman temple at Shiv Shambho naka, Panvel. At around 6:10 pm, Mane was caught red-handed while accepting the demanded bribe of Rs 30,000 from the complainant.
Legal Action
An FIR has been registered at Panvel City Police Station against Mane under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act for the alleged offence of a public servant taking gratification other than legal remuneration in respect of an official act.
