Pune: Two PMC Clerks Caught Accepting Rs 25,000 Bribe For Reducing Property Tax Amount
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 11th June 2024: Two clerks typists from the Tax Collection Department at the Aundh-Baner Ward Office of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have been arrested on charges of soliciting and accepting bribes of Rs 25,000.
The accused individuals have been identified as Sumit Rajendra Chandere, aged 28, and Prashant Shivajirao Ghadge, aged 34, both serving as Clerk Typists (Class-3) at the ward office. They were caught today evening at the Aunfh-Baner Ward Office.
According to the Pune unit of the Maharashtra State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), a 70-year-old complainant filed an application for the taxation of a newly constructed property back in April 2024. The application was under the purview of Ghadge. However, during the follow-up process, Ghadge allegedly demanded a bribe from the complainant. When the complainant brought this to the notice of Chandere, he too asked him to pay the bribe promising to help in reducing the property tax amount.
The complainant approached the ACB. During inquiry, it was revealed that both Chandere and Ghadge had sought a bribe from the complainant. Subsequently, after accepting a sum of Rs. 25,000 in bribe money, they were caught by authorities today. A case has been registered against them under Sections 7 and 7A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, at the Chatushrungi Police Station, Pune City.
The investigation into the matter is being conducted by Police Inspector Atul Bhosle.
In light of this incident, Superintendent of Police (ACB) Amol Tambe has urged the public to report any instances of bribery or corruption by contacting the Anti-Corruption Bureau Pune office. Contact details provided include the toll-free helpline number 1064, as well as the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s telephone numbers: 020-26122134, 26132802, 26050423. Additionally, individuals can reach out via WhatsApp at 7875333333 for Pune and 9930997700 for Mumbai.
