The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Mumbai has registered a corruption case against an employee of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Electricity Department for allegedly demanding a bribe from a food café owner. The accused threatened to disconnect the electricity supply if the bribe was not paid.
Details of the Case
According to the ACB, the complainant operates a food café and had accumulated pending electricity dues amounting to Rs 45,280 over three months. The accused public servant, identified as Nitin Kawle, allegedly threatened to disconnect and remove the electricity meter due to non-payment of the bill. He demanded Rs 3,000 as a bribe to avoid taking action against the café owner.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB Mumbai on December 24, 2025, and lodged a formal complaint. During a verification operation conducted on December 26, 2025, ACB officials found that Kawle had reduced his demand to Rs 2,500 and had agreed to accept that amount.
Legal Action
Following the verification, the ACB registered a case against Kawle under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This section deals with public servants taking bribes. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.
This incident highlights the ACB's efforts to curb corruption in public service departments. Citizens are encouraged to report any such demands to the authorities.
