ACB Nabs Corrupt Official in Rs 1.75 Lakh Bribery Scandal

Vinayak Vasant Nikam, a chief inspection officer in the food and civil supplies department, was arrested by the ACB for accepting a Rs 1.75 lakh bribe. The bribe was demanded in exchange for not taking action against LPG agencies. Rs 10 lakh in cash was found in Nikam's office.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Vinayak Vasant Nikam, an official at the food and civil supplies department, for accepting a bribe of Rs 1.75 lakh. The money was allegedly demanded to prevent action against certain LPG agencies, officials confirmed Tuesday.

The arrest was made in the Churchgate area of south Mumbai. During their operation, ACB officers discovered Rs 10 lakh in unexplained cash in Nikam's office, further tying him to the corruption charges.

Nikam had allegedly targeted gas agencies linked to the complainant in Thane and Kandivali. After a request for monthly bribes was refused, the complainant reported the matter to the ACB. The officer has now been charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

(With inputs from agencies.)