Thane Deputy Civic Commissioner Arrested in Rs 25 Lakh Bribery Case
A Thane Municipal Corporation deputy commissioner and a private individual were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in a significant bribery case. The officials were caught red-handed during a trap operation at the TMC headquarters.
Thane Municipal CorporationBriberyAnticorruption BureauCorruptionReal EstateReal Estate MumbaiOct 02, 2025
The accused, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Shankar Patole, was in charge of the TMC's anti-encroachment department. He was arrested along with Omkar Gaikar, a private individual, during a trap operation at the TMC headquarters on Wednesday. The duo were produced before Additional Sessions Judge VG Mohite on Thursday, and the court granted police custody till October 4 after hearing arguments from the ACB.
Advocate Vishal Bhanushali represented Patole, while advocate Jayesh Tikhe appeared for Gaikar. A third accused, Sushant Surve, is currently absconding, according to officials. The case is registered under multiple sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigations are underway.
The arrests came after a probe was launched following a complaint by a real estate developer to the Mumbai ACB. The developer alleged that Patole had demanded Rs 35 lakh as a bribe for removing an encroachment on his premises in the city. The complainant claimed that he had already paid Rs 10 lakh to the official through Surve. However, the suspects' demands increased, and they were asking for more money to settle the matter.
The builder was handing over the remaining Rs 25 lakh to Gaikar in Patole's cabin at the TMC headquarters when the ACB trapped the duo and arrested them. The ACB acted on the complaint and caught the suspects red-handed. The ACB sought the custody of the duo on various grounds, including for carrying out further investigations and locating the third accused.
Interestingly, the arrests took place on the 43rd anniversary of the Thane Municipal Corporation. The TMC plays a crucial role in the city's governance, focusing on urban development, infrastructure, and public services. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and ensure transparency in municipal operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the bribery case?
Deputy Municipal Commissioner Shankar Patole and a private individual, Omkar Gaikar, were arrested in the bribery case.
What was the amount of the bribe?
The bribe amount was Rs 25 lakh, with a total demand of Rs 35 lakh, of which Rs 10 lakh had already been paid.
Who made the complaint to the ACB?
A real estate developer made the complaint to the Mumbai ACB, alleging that Patole had demanded a bribe for removing an encroachment on his premises.
What is the role of the Thane Municipal Corporation?
The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is responsible for urban development, infrastructure, and public services in Thane city.
What is the current status of the third accused?
The third accused, Sushant Surve, is currently absconding and being sought by the ACB.
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