Ahmednagar :- In a significant development, the Anti-Corruption Department in Maharashtra has unveiled a bribery scandal involving a public servant. Akash Narayan Kashikedar, a Class-3 Talathi at Saja Pedgaon in Ahmednagar, stands accused of demanding a bribe of Rs. 2,00,000 from a complainant. The incident occurred in connection with the use of a Poklen machine for sand extraction.
The case came to light when the complainant reported the alleged bribe demand to the Anti-Corruption Department, Ahmednagar. It is reported that on July 11, 2023, Kashikedar, along with District Magistrate Dahale of Pedgaon, approached the complainant, claiming that the Poklen machine was being used for unauthorized sand extraction. They purportedly threatened legal action unless a bribe of Rs. 2,00,000 was paid. After negotiations, the amount was compromised to Rs. 1,50,000.
The accused, Kashikedar, allegedly agreed to accept the bribe in installments and was caught red-handed during a verification process on July 11. The Anti-Corruption Department had arranged for the presence of witnesses during the verification, and it was during this process that Kashikedar reportedly demanded the bribe in front of them. The department promptly registered a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
The Anti-Corruption Department has urged citizens to report corruption and bribery cases involving public servants. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Ahmednagar, Mr. Provin Lokhande, emphasized the importance of citizens’ cooperation in eradicating corruption. He encouraged individuals to contact the Anti-Corruption Department through various means, including their website (acbmaharashtra.gov.in), email (acbwebmail@mahapolice.gov.in), toll-free phone number, and WhatsApp contact.
This exposé has shed light on the ongoing battle against corruption in the public sector and serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in upholding ethical standards in government offices. As investigations continue, citizens hope for a transparent and fair legal process to ensure justice prevails in this case.
