Kolhapur :- In a significant development, three public servants have been apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Kolhapur for allegedly demanding and accepting bribes. The accused include Ajit Uddhav Suryavanshi, President of Sanjeevani Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Mahaveer Appasaheb Patil, Principal of Annasaheb Vibhute Vidyamandir, and Anil Balaso Takle, a Sepoy at the same institution.
The allegations arose when the institution’s President, Ajit Uddhav Suryavanshi, purportedly demanded an extortionate sum of Rs. 95,577 as a bribe from a complainant in connection with building rent. It was claimed that the demand was made in installments and that the complainant was threatened with the withholding of a pay hike. The complainant, however, refused to comply with the demand, leading to the lodging of a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau on July 17, 2023.
As per the complaint, on July 17, 2023, during the verification of the bribe demand, Principal Mahaveer Patil reportedly sought an amount equivalent to his April 2023 salary from President Suryavanshi. Furthermore, on August 15, 2023, the complainant revealed that President Ajit Suryavanshi instructed him to pay an amount equivalent to the April 2023 salary to Principal Patil.
The situation came to a head on August 23, 2023, when a trap operation was conducted to catch the accused red-handed. During the operation, the complainant handed over Rs. 45,000, the first installment of the demanded bribe, to Ajit Suryavanshi. However, when the complainant proceeded to pay the amount to Principal Mahaveer Patil, he was instructed to hand it over to school constable Anil Balaso Takle. Takle was caught accepting the bribe money, leading to his immediate apprehension.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau, along with Deputy Commissioner of Police Amol Tambe, Additional Superintendent of Police Shital Janve, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Sardar Nale, has taken swift action in the case. The accused are facing charges for their alleged involvement in bribery and corruption. The bureau has urged citizens to report any instances of corruption and bribery promptly.
For reporting any such incidents, citizens can contact the Anti-Corruption Department through various channels, including a toll-free number (1800222021), office telephone numbers in Pune (020 / 26122134) and Kolhapur (0231 / 2540989), helpline toll-free number (1064), and WhatsApp (7875333333).
The investigation and legal proceedings against the accused are currently underway, marking a significant step toward combating corruption and ensuring transparency in the public sector
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