Vishrantwadi, 24th June 2023: In a significant development, an assistant engineer employed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) has been apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Pune for allegedly demanding a bribe in exchange for expediting the installation of an electricity meter.
The ACB has taken swift action and is currently in the process of filing a First Information Report (FIR) against Assistant Engineer Harshali Om Dhavale, who works at the Dhanori branch office of MSEDCL. The case is being registered at the Vishrantwadi police station.
According to the ACB, the complainant is associated with a contractor involved in electricity meter installation. It has been reported that the accused engineer, Harshali Om Dhavale, demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 to approve the installation of three 3-phase electricity meters, with one meter still pending. However, after negotiations, the bribe amount was eventually reduced to Rs 12,000.
Upon receiving the complaint, the ACB conducted a thorough verification of the bribe demand and promptly set up a trap operation. The engineer was caught red-handed while demanding the bribe. The ongoing investigation is being led by ACB Police Inspector Praneta Sangolkar, who is diligently gathering evidence in the case.
Superintendent of Police (ACB) Amol Tambe has urged the public to come forward and report any incidents involving government employees soliciting bribes. In such instances, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the ACB, located at Central Building near Sassoon Hospital in Pune, or contact the toll-free helpline number 1064 for immediate assistance.
