ACB nabs top official taking bribe
PANAJI: The anti-corruption bureau (ACB) on Tuesday afternoon caught Praveen Patidar, a Goa civil services officer, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.
Patidar, who is registrar of cooperative societies, also holds additional charge as director of animal husbandry and veterinary services. ACB sources said Vivekanand Naik, a supplier of dry grass, which is used as fodder for cattle, had complained that though his cheque of Rs 22 lakh was ready, the director was not releasing it and was demanding a 10% cut.
After several meetings, Patidar agreed to accept an initial payment of Rs 15,000 for a cheque of Rs 2 lakh. The rest was to be paid later. As agreed, the complainant went to Patidar’s office on Tuesday afternoon and paid him the money. Just when Patidar was accepting the money, an ACB team led by PI Nilesh Rane walked in and caught him.
Patidar has been booked under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. ACB sources said they would also raid Patidar’s house.