Two APMC officials arrested for accepting a bribe of ₹1.40 lakhs in Navi Mumbai

Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) – Two officials of the Navi Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee were arrested by officers of the Anti-Corruption Bureau while accepting a bribe of ₹1.40 lakhs. They are identified as Deputy Secretary Dr Deepak Awte and Sanitation Officer Sameer Mhatre. A contractor, who had been carrying out cleaning work in the market committee for several years, had lodged a complaint in this matter. The contractor’s pending payment amount for one year’s work was ₹9.78 lakhs. The accused had allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹1.46 lakhs at the rate of 15% on this amount. Following a settlement, the accused were caught red-handed while accepting ₹1.40 lakhs.

Editorial Perspective

Negligent and corrupt officials accepting bribes should be dismissed from service, sentenced to life imprisonment, and the amount should be recovered from them with interest! Only then will such incidents be curbed.