Corruption Crackdown: Arrests at Thane Municipal Corporation

A senior official from the Thane Municipal Corporation and an accomplice were arrested in connection to a Rs 25 lakh bribery allegation, highlighting ongoing corruption issues within the civic body. The arrests, carried out by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), underline serious charges against Singh for soliciting illegal payments.

Deputy Commissioner Shankar Patole, heading TMC's anti-encroachment wing, and Omkar Gaikar, were nabbed at the corporation's headquarters. They appeared in front of Additional Sessions Judge VG Mohite, who approved police custody until October 4 for deeper investigation. Legal arguments were presented by advocates Vishal Bhanushali and Jayesh Tikhe.

Authorities are also on the lookout for Sushant Surve, a third suspect identified in the case. The FIR filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act alleges an extortion plan for removing property encroachments, involving an initial Rs 10 lakh payment. The arrests coincided with the civic corporation's 43rd anniversary, marking an ironic backdrop to the scandal.

(With inputs from agencies.)