A Mantralaya officer in Mumbai has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly accepting a substantial bribe to expedite the approval of crucial development funds, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat corruption.
The Mumbai Anti-Corruption Bureau apprehended a Mantralaya Section Officer on Sunday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 6.37 lakh for approving funds for developmental works, officials said.
The accused, identified as Vilas Lad, is a Class 1 officer posted at the state secretariat in south Mumbai, an official said.
The complainant had applied for a government grant to develop basic infrastructure facilities in his village on behalf of a village Sarpanch.
While following up on the proposal, the complainant met Lad, who allegedly demanded 6.37 lakh to approve the funds, the official said.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the applicant approached the ACB Mumbai and lodged a complaint. A verification conducted by the ACB on March 16 confirmed that Lad had demanded a bribe.
Lad was nabbed while allegedly accepting the bribe money in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, the official said, adding that he was arrested after a case was registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Further probe is underway.