In a significant crackdown on corruption within the railway system, a man masquerading as a vigilance inspector from the railway board was apprehended by the Central Railway's vigilance department in Kalyan. The arrest occurred while the individual was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 from a booking clerk, highlighting ongoing issues of impersonation and illicit demands in the sector.
Details of the Impersonation and Bribery Case
The impostor, identified as Harish Kamble, had been operating under the guise of a vigilance inspector to exert influence over railway officials. According to an official statement, Kamble was well-known to senior Central Railway officials and had previously facilitated arrangements for emergency and VIP quota tickets, exploiting his fraudulent position for personal gain.
The Bribery Demand and Sting Operation
The incident unfolded when Kamble approached booking clerk Mangesh Badgujar, demanding Rs 60,000. He claimed this payment would assist in clearing pending payments at the divisional railway manager's office. Initially, Kamble accepted Rs 40,000 through a digital payment application, prompting Badgujar to file a formal complaint with the authorities.
In a coordinated effort, the vigilance team set up a trap. On Thursday, when Kamble returned to collect the remaining Rs 20,000, officials lay in wait. As soon as he accepted the cash from the clerk and stepped outside the premises, the team swiftly arrested him, putting an end to his deceptive activities.
Past Criminal Record and Investigation Findings
Further investigation into Kamble's background revealed a history of similar offenses. Records indicate that the Government Railway Police had previously arrested him in 2012 on charges of impersonating a ticket checker at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai. This pattern of behavior underscores the persistent challenges faced by railway authorities in combating fraud and ensuring integrity within their ranks.
The arrest serves as a reminder of the vigilance department's commitment to rooting out corruption and maintaining transparency in railway operations. Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Kamble's activities and any potential accomplices involved in these schemes.
