Deputy Engineer Arrested for Accepting Rs 8 Lakh Bribe in Nandurbar Solar Project
In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Dhule branch of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has apprehended a deputy engineer from the electricity subdivision of the Public Works Department (PWD) in Nandurbar. The official was caught red-handed accepting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh from a government electrical contractor, highlighting ongoing issues with graft in public projects.
Details of the Bribery Case and Arrest
The arrest occurred after a meticulously planned trap by ACB personnel. According to Deputy SP Sachin Salunkhe, the investigating officer from the state excise department in Dhule, the deputy engineer was caught accepting the cash. Following the arrest, ACB officials conducted a search of the engineer's residence, though no significant evidence was uncovered during the raid.
Background of the Complaint and Contract
The complainant in this case is a government contractor who operates a registered firm that secures government contracts. In the past, this contractor was awarded a substantial contract worth Rs 2.3 crore to install solar streetlights across 28 villages in Nandurbar. The contractor successfully completed the work and, in March 2025, received the first bill payment of Rs 41 lakh.
However, the deputy engineer allegedly demanded Rs 80,000 from the contractor to clear this initial bill, with a further demand of Rs 30,000 for the subsequent bill. Later, in December 2025, the contractor received a payment of over Rs 2 crore for pending bills. At this point, the accused engineer escalated his demands, asking for Rs 8.5 lakh in exchange for the bills he had already processed and threatening to halt all future bill clearances if the bribe was not paid.
ACB Investigation and Trap Operation
Faced with this extortion, the government contractor approached the ACB in Dhule and filed a formal complaint on January 27. ACB officials thoroughly verified the allegations and, after confirming the bribe demand, orchestrated a trap on Monday. The operation led to the arrest of the deputy engineer as he accepted the Rs 8 lakh bribe.
The successful trap was conducted under the guidance of SP Bharat Tangade of the ACB in Nashik, demonstrating the bureau's commitment to combating corruption in public sector projects. This case underscores the challenges faced by contractors and the need for stringent oversight in government dealings to prevent such malpractices.
