ACB nabs two Thane teachers for demanding Rs 60,000 bribe over service documents

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The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has taken action against two educators in Maharashtra's Thane district after they were allegedly caught demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 60,000 in exchange for official documents, according to PTI.

The individuals involved have been identified as Shahajan Mohammadali Moulana, a teacher, and Ziaur Rahman Mazharulhaq Ansari, the headmaster of Rais High School and Junior College in Bhiwandi, as per PTI reports.

The incident came to light after a complaint was lodged by a former employee of the institution who required a copy of his service book. The document was expected to carry details of the necessary pay commission notings and official stamps, essential for service verification and related procedures.

According to Inspector Anupama Khare of the ACB's Thane unit, the complainant first approached the school authorities in March. It was at this point that the accused allegedly demanded Rs 50,000 to provide the document. However, the demand was later increased to Rs 60,000. The justification provided by the accused, as reported by the ACB, was that the increased amount would cover clerical duties, typing, and stamping charges.

Feeling pressured and aggrieved by the illicit demand, the complainant decided to approach the ACB. Following this, a trap was set by the anti-graft agency. On Thursday, the operation led to Shahajan Moulana being caught red-handed while accepting the bribe money. Headmaster Ziaur Rahman Ansari was also apprehended in connection with the case.

The ACB has booked both individuals under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, no formal arrests had been made at the time of reporting.

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(With inputs from PTI)