Bribery Scandal Unfolds in Thane: Deputy Commissioner Among Arrested

A deputy commissioner of Thane Municipal Corporation and a private individual were arrested in a Rs 25 lakh bribery case. The arrests occurred following an Anti-Corruption Bureau raid, revealing a possible network of corruption involving government officials. Police custody was granted for further investigation.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Thane Municipal Corporation's Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Shankar Patole, and private individual Omkar Gaikar, on charges of bribery. They stand accused in a Rs 25 lakh bribery case, awaiting police custody until October 4, as ordered by a local court.

The arrests followed a raid at the corporation's headquarters, bringing to light an alleged corruption ring potentially involving multiple civic officials. The accused were caught during a sting operation as Abhijit Kadam, a real estate developer, informed authorities of a bribe demand for removing encroachments on his property.

While Patole's lawyer argues his client's innocence, the court deemed the crime serious, suggesting a broader corruption network at play. The ACB now aims to locate an absconding suspect and review voice samples for further evidence.

(With inputs from agencies.)