In a significant anti-corruption operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) employees for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 2 lakh. The accused have been identified as Assistant Engineer Ashish Siwach and Beldar Mahesh Kumar, both posted in the civic body's Shahdara Zone.
The Bribe Demand and Complaint
The case originated from a complaint filed by a builder who had constructed a four-storey building in East Azad Nagar. While the MCD had initially booked the building in September, the complainant later obtained a completion certificate from the Shahdara Zone office on November 12. Despite having this certificate, he was allegedly informed that a formal closure report was still required to finally settle the case against the property.
It was at this stage that Beldar Mahesh Kumar entered the scene. According to officials, Kumar contacted the builder on multiple occasions. He demanded Rs 2 lakh on behalf of a junior engineer and Assistant Engineer Ashish Siwach, claiming the money was for preparing the crucial closure report. The complainant was allegedly threatened that failure to pay the bribe would result in the MCD booking his building once again.
The CBI Trap and Arrests
Following the complaint, the CBI swung into action and registered a formal case under the Prevention of Corruption Act on December 22. After verifying the initial allegations and finding prima facie evidence, the agency laid a trap to catch the accused red-handed.
The plan was successful. The CBI team apprehended both Ashish Siwach and Mahesh Kumar while they were in the act of demanding and accepting the bribe money. The arrests were made based on the evidence gathered during the operation, confirming the active role of the beldar in collecting the bribe on behalf of the engineering staff.
Ongoing Investigation and Scrutiny
While the primary arrests have been made, the investigation is far from over. CBI officials have stated that the role of the junior engineer named in the initial complaint is also under the scanner. His involvement will be thoroughly examined as the probe progresses to determine the full extent of the corruption network within the zone.
This incident highlights the persistent issue of graft within municipal systems, where citizens and builders are allegedly harassed for bribes to clear routine administrative work. The CBI's intervention underscores the continued vigilance of central agencies against such corrupt practices in public offices.
