On February 13, a clerk working with the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹35,000 at the state secretariat, Mantralaya. The accused, identified as Rajendra Dherange, was caught in a trap set by the ACB, following a complaint regarding his demand for a total of ₹50,000 to restore a medical license for a complainant.
The incident took place in Dherange's office located on the second floor of Mantralaya, which is known for housing several key government offices. The Congress party has seized upon this incident, claiming it underscores the rampant corruption allegedly prevalent in the state under the BJP-led government. Congress leaders have expressed outrage, with Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal labeling the event as “shocking” and indicative of the open bribery culture within the government.
- Bribe amount of ₹35,000 — part payment towards restoring a medical license.
- ACB's proactive measures — a trap was laid following a complaint to catch the clerk.
- Political implications — Congress demands accountability from the ruling BJP government.
In a post on X, Sapkal criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to disclose details of the case and take action against the minister associated with Dherange. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in light of this incident, suggesting that no work is performed without the payment of bribes in Mantralaya.
The ACB has initiated a thorough investigation into the matter, with legal proceedings underway against Dherange under the Prevention of Corruption Act. This incident not only highlights individual corruption but also raises broader questions regarding governance and accountability in Maharashtra's administrative framework amidst ongoing political scrutiny.
