Atul Ashok Avhad, a junior engineer with the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), was arrested by the Palghar Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs2 lakh. The bribe was reportedly taken to prevent action from being taken against a case of illegal electricity theft.
Avhad, who is posted in the Dahanu division of Palghar, was accused of receiving the bribe to overlook the unauthorized tapping of electricity wires at a buffalo stable owned by the complainant. The electricity was being stolen by illegally connecting the stable’s wiring to the mainline.
The ACB officials confirmed that upon investigation, a penalty of Rs7 lakh was imposed for the stolen electricity. Avhad allegedly demanded Rs3 lakh to not take action and restore the electricity. The complainant, who was approached by Avhad for the bribe, reported the matter to the ACB on March 20.
Following the complaint, the ACB acted swiftly and arrested the engineer for his involvement in the corruption case.
