In a major action at Mantralaya, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested a clerk from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department while allegedly accepting a bribe. The accused has been identified as Rajendra Dherange.
According to information received, the clerk had allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 to reinstate the suspended licence of a medical store. After negotiations, the deal was reportedly settled at Rs 35,000. Acting on a complaint, the ACB laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting the bribe on the second floor of Mantralaya.
The daytime operation within the Mantralaya premises has created a stir in administrative circles. The ACB has registered a case against the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act and has initiated further investigation.
The FDA department in Mantralaya comes under the jurisdiction of NCP leader and Minister Narhari Zirwal.