Executive engineer caught taking Rs.2 Lakh bribe for electric supply in Pune
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In a case exposing corruption in Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested an executive engineer for accepting a bribe of ₹2 lakh to start electricity supply to a new building.
The accused has been identified as Bhau Saheb Machhindra Sawant (51), Executive Engineer, MSEDCL, Bund Garden Division, Pune (Class-1). A complaint has been lodged against him at Wanwadi Police Station under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The complainant, a 39-year-old government-approved electrical contractor, had undertaken work to provide electricity to five new buildings through electric DP (distribution point) setup. The contractor submitted the necessary files to Sawant for approval. However, Sawant allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹5 lakh to process the file and approve the electricity load for the DP in Manjari. After negotiations, the amount was settled at ₹2 lakh.
The contractor reported the matter to the ACB’s Pune office, who verified the complaint through a pre-arranged meeting where Sawant reiterated his demand for ₹5 lakh. Subsequently, on October 23, the ACB set up a trap and caught Sawant red-handed while accepting ₹2 lakh as advance payment.
The investigation is being conducted by Police Inspector Virnath Mane under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Shirish Sardeshpande and Additional Superintendent Dr. Sheetal Janve.
This incident has brought attention to the issue of corruption within MSEDCL and has raised concerns about the integrity of the department’s operations. Further investigation is underway.
