Pune, 10th August 2023: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has taken swift action by arresting a senior clerk employed at Sassoon Hospital, a Maharashtra state government-operated medical facility, on charges of alleged bribery. The arrest follows a formal complaint lodged by a government employee with the Pune unit of the ACB.
According to official reports, the complainant had submitted medical bills totaling Rs 1.07 lakh for approval. It is alleged that the senior clerk demanded a bribe of Rs 3000 to overlook any ‘potential objections’ to the approval. Subsequently, negotiations between the clerk and the complainant resulted in the bribe amount being reduced to Rs 2500.
Displaying a commendable commitment to integrity, the complainant chose not to give in to bribery and promptly reported the incident to the ACB. Responding swiftly to the verified complaint, ACB officials apprehended the senior clerk in the midst of the act.
An FIR has been officially registered at the Bundgarden police station against the accused senior clerk, identified as Ganesh Suresh Gaikwad. Gaikwad held a position within the medical superintendent’s office at Sassoon Hospital. He now faces charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Further investigations are being conducted under the oversight of Police Inspector Vidulata Chavan.
Amol Tambe, the Superintendent of Police for the ACB’s Pune range, has urged citizens to promptly report any instances of government employees soliciting bribes to the ACB. To facilitate reporting, the Pune ACB office is conveniently located in the Central Building, situated directly opposite the Sassoon Hospital. Concerned individuals can also make use of the toll-free ACB hotline by dialing 1064.
This prompt and resolute action by the ACB serves as a reminder of the commitment to eradicating corruption and maintaining transparency within government institutions.
