Two days after an agent and two desk officers from the revenue department were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 25 lakh from a businessman, the ACB revealed that the agent, who is also the main accused, has worked as an assistant for a former minister of state.
What's the story so far?
Based on the businessman's complaint, Vaibhav Andhale, 23, and his two aides Sanjay Suradkar and Devidas Dahifale were arrested after they allegedly took a bribe of Rs 23 lakh from the complainant in South Mumbai on Tuesday. The bribe was sought for handing over an order copy of a land related-issue, which was approved by the revenue department in its hearing. The complainant, who had the power of attorney of 18 acres of a temple trust land wanted to convert into normal land, which was brought before the revenue department. The order was in favour of the complainant, however, Andhale demanded the money to give the file related to it.
What else did ACB recover from the agent?
The ACB sleuths also seized 82 official files from Andhale's residence related to various government departments, most of which were revenue department files. The officials believe that the accused got hold of the files when he was working under the minister. A senior officer from ACB said, "the accused has worked as an assistant to an ex-minister of state. We are probing if the minister has any role in the handing over files or in seeking bribe."
What is its next course of action?
The ACB sleuths are now probing whether the minister is also involved in the case. The officer said that the accused will be interrogated to understand how he managed to access files when they were supposed to be with the minister. Based on investigations, the ACB will seek sanctions from the government to conduct an open inquiry against the minister if there is evidence against him.
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