Thane Deputy Municipal Commissioner Suspended After Arrest in Bribery Case, Denies Charges

Thane Deputy Municipal Commissioner Suspended After Arrest in Bribery Case, Denies Charges

Thane — A Deputy Municipal Commissioner (DMC) in Thane has been suspended with immediate effect from October 2, following his arrest by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in a bribery case that has sent shockwaves through the civic administration.

The suspension order, issued under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1979, came shortly after the officer was taken into custody by anti-corruption officials. The municipal corporation has also initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against him.

Prior to the suspension, the officer's key responsibilities, including oversight of anti-encroachment operations and administration of a municipal zone, were swiftly reassigned to other Deputy Municipal Commissioners to ensure continuity of civic services.

Custody Extended for Further Investigation

The investigating agency has been granted a two-day extension of the officer's custody to conduct a deeper probe into the matter. Officials stated that the extension is necessary to investigate potential involvement of other individuals and to examine further interactions related to the alleged bribery.

The ACB is believed to be examining whether the officer was part of a larger network and whether other municipal officials or intermediaries were involved in corrupt practices.

Defense Claims Entrapment

However, the officer's legal counsel has strongly denied all allegations, claiming their client has been entrapped in a false case. The defense team asserted that the officer neither demanded nor accepted any bribe and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.

"Our client has been framed. He did not demand or accept any bribe. No incriminating evidence was found during the searches conducted at his residence," the legal counsel stated, adding that they would fight the charges vigorously in court.

The lawyer emphasized that the searches of the officer's home yielded no evidence supporting the corruption allegations.

Political Fallout

The case has also triggered reactions in political circles, with leaders promising to raise the matter publicly. Some political figures have issued warnings about potential consequences if political alliances are undermined or if the case is used for political vendetta.

The development comes at a time when civic corruption cases are under increased scrutiny, and the suspension marks a significant action against a senior municipal official in the Thane Municipal Corporation.