Was a clerk at Mantralaya caught accepting a Rs 35,000 bribe by the ACB?
Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau has nabbed an FDA clerk at Mantralaya while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 35,000. The incident raises questions about rampant corruption in the government and demands accountability from higher officials.
Key Takeaways
ACB's proactive approach in tackling corruption.
Bribery demands are undermining public trust.
Need for government accountability in Maharashtra.
Importance of transparency in public administration.
Call for removal of corrupt officials .
Mumbai, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) apprehended a clerk from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who was allegedly involved in accepting a bribe of Rs 35,000 at the state secretariat, known as Mantralaya. This significant development was confirmed by an ACB official on Friday.
Harshwardhan Sapkal, President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, stated that the clerk, Rajendra Dherange, was arrested in the office of a Cabinet minister, underscoring what he termed as “widespread corruption” under the BJP-led administration.
However, an ACB representative clarified that Dherange was actually caught while accepting the bribe at the FDA office located on the second floor of Mantralaya.
The clerk had reportedly demanded Rs 50,000 from a complainant seeking the restoration of his medical license. Following the complaint to the ACB, a trap was set, and Dherange was apprehended while accepting Rs 35,000 as a partial payment in his office on Thursday evening, according to the official.
A case has been filed against him under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and an investigation is ongoing, the official stated.
Sapkal urged the Chief Minister to take decisive action and dismiss the minister involved in the bribery.
“It is shocking to learn that the ACB successfully executed a trap within the office of a Cabinet Minister in Mantralaya and detained a corrupt official. This incident clearly illustrates the blatant bribery and commission-taking occurring in Mantralaya during the tenure of the highly corrupt Mahayuti government.
“A situation has emerged where public services are not rendered without financial incentives — this is a grave issue. The Chief Minister must address this case, inform the public, and remove the minister implicated in the bribery,” he stated.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight that this incident sheds light on serious corruption at high levels of the Maharashtra government. The ACB's action is a critical step toward transparency and accountability, and it is essential for the administration to address these issues to restore public trust.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against the clerk?
The clerk, Rajendra Dherange, was charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 35,000.
What was the context of the bribe?
The clerk reportedly demanded Rs 50,000 from a complainant seeking the restoration of his medical license.
What actions have been taken by the ACB?
The ACB laid a trap and apprehended the clerk during the act of accepting the bribe.
Who commented on this incident?
Harshwardhan Sapkal, President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, condemned the incident and called for the dismissal of the implicated minister.
What is the significance of this event?
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of corruption within the government and raises concerns about the integrity of public officials.
