In a significant development, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Pune has apprehended a state Goods and Services Tax (GST) officer, Malti Ramesh Kathale, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹3,000. The arrest was made following a complaint, and an FIR has been registered at the Yerawada police station against the accused officer.
Malti Ramesh Kathale, aged 43, is currently posted at the state GST department office in Yerawada. The complaint alleged that the officer demanded a bribe in exchange for facilitating the issuance of a GST number, a crucial document for businesses.
Acting swiftly on the complaint, ACB sleuths devised a trap to catch the officer red-handed. Kathale was arrested while accepting the bribe money, and a case has been filed against her under the relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Amol Tambe, Superintendent of Police, ACB-Pune range, urged citizens to come forward and report any government employee involved in corrupt practices. Tambe emphasized the importance of public cooperation in eradicating corruption from government departments.
To facilitate reporting, citizens can reach out to the ACB headquarters located in the central building opposite Sassoon Hospital in Pune. Additionally, a toll-free number, 1064, has been made available for citizens to report any government employee demanding bribes.
This operation underscores the commitment of the Anti-Corruption Bureau to root out corruption at all levels of government service, ensuring a fair and transparent administration.
