Two BMC officials convicted in bribery case

Mumbai, Jul 10 (UNI) A special ACB court today convicted two Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials in a bribery case of 2003.

While pronouncing judgement here, Additional Sessions Judge P H Mali said Lalit Kumar Chaudhary and Praveen Lokhande were held guilty under sections 7, 12, 13 (1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The duo has to undergo one year simple imprisonment and pay a fine of Rs 1,500 each, in default, they will have to undergo further imprisonment of one more month.

Additional Public Prosecutor Ms S P Jamdar said complainant Kantilal Nathalal, who owns a plywood business, used to supply material for handcarts in south-central Mumbai.

On May 31, 2003, BMC officials had seized his handcarts. So he had approached Mr Lokhande for the release of his material and handcart.

Lokhande took him to his senior official Chaudhary, who asked the complainant to pay Rs 15,000 as fine.

The civic officials then demanded Rs 5,000 as bribe to reduce fine amount to Rs 500. The complainant agreed to pay the amount and simultaneously lodged a complaint with ACB officials at Worli.

On June four, 2003, ACB sleuths laid a trap at accused's office and arrested them, she added.

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