Nashik ACB Arrests Water Department Officer and Clerk in Rs50,000 Bribery Scandal
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Nashik made significant arrests on Wednesday evening, apprehending an executive officer from the water conservation department of the Nashik Zilla Parishad and a clerk. The arrests were made in connection with allegations of accepting a bribe amounting to Rs50,000.
Details of the Alleged Bribery Scheme
According to ACB officials, the executive officer had demanded money from a contractor in exchange for providing favorable remarks on the completion of two concrete weir projects. These remarks were crucial for facilitating the release of payments totaling Rs16 lakh. The two weirs were constructed at Pimplad and Tungarpada in the Trimbakeshwar taluka, under minor irrigation schemes funded through the district planning scheme.
The contractor initially approached the officer to clear outstanding dues, at which point a demand of Rs72,000 was made. After negotiations, the amount was allegedly settled at Rs50,000. The bribe was being accepted through a clerk who acted as an intermediary in the transaction.
ACB's Swift Action and Investigation
The contractor lodged a formal complaint with the ACB, prompting immediate action. ACB officials laid a trap and caught both accused red-handed while they were accepting the bribe. Following the arrest, both the executive officer and the clerk were produced before a court, which remanded them to police custody until Friday.
As part of the ongoing investigation, ACB teams conducted searches at the residences of both accused. However, officials reported that no incriminating documents have been found so far. The case highlights the ACB's commitment to tackling corruption in public departments, particularly in projects involving public funds and infrastructure development.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability in government schemes, especially in rural and developmental projects where large sums of money are involved. The ACB's proactive measures serve as a reminder of the legal consequences for those engaging in corrupt practices.
