Face2News/Nashik (Maharashtra)

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two accused including Conservation Assistant of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and a contractual employee working as MTS at ASI Pandavleni Office, Nashik, for demanding and accepting bribe of Rs.20,000/- from the complainant.

A case was registered by CBI against accused. It was alleged that drone camera of complainant, working as a graphic designer in a Nashik based private company, was seized by ASI Nashik in September, 2024 when the complainant was shooting at Trimbakeshwar temple for making an advertisement for his company. The drone was captured by temple authorities and handed over to official of ASI.

It was also alleged that when complainant went to get his drone back, accused working as Conservation Asstt. in ASI Pandavleni Nashik Office demanded bribe of Rs.50,000/- from the complainant for releasing the said drone. Accused even threatened the complainant that if he did not pay the bribe, accused would deposit the drone to ASI's Aurangabad Office. After negotiations, accused agreed to accept bribe Rs.20,000/- from the complainant through a contractual employee as MTS.

CBI laid a trap and caught accused MTS red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000/- from the complainant on behalf of the accused Conservation Assistant. Later, both accused were arrested and produced before Competent Court at Nashik on 18.03.2025. The Court granted Police Custody of both the accused persons for 2 days.

Search was conducted by CBI at the residential premises of accused which led to incriminating documents etc.

Investigation is continuing.