Suspension of officials trapped in ACB net delays, Why?

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Government officials and employees caught accepting bribes are expected to be immediately suspended from service. However, many government departments are deliberately delaying such action. Over the past few years, 181 officials caught in bribery traps have still not been suspended, including 25 from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar range.

Despite receiving hefty or at least satisfactory salaries, some government servants fall prey to greed and get involved in bribery. Although there are strict disciplinary rules in place, these haven’t deterred corrupt behaviour. Even when caught red-handed, delays in suspension proceedings are emboldening such officials.

In some cases, inquiries are underway, but years-long pending cases allow the corrupt to continue in service, raising serious questions about the functioning and integrity of the administration.

Corruption Cases See a Rise, Yet Action Remains Lax

In 2024, a total of 178 corrupt officials were caught in 111 anti-corruption operations across the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division. As per protocol, department heads of the concerned officials are promptly informed through official letters once such actions take place. However, despite this, many officials are not being suspended, highlighting a worrying trend of inaction.

In the current year, 2025 (till now), there have already been 36 operations, trapping 44 corrupt officials.

City-wise Breakdown of Bribery Cases (2025):

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – 15 cases

Jalna – 6 cases

Beed – 7 cases

Dharashiv – 8 cases

181 Corrupt Officials Yet to Be Suspended in the State

Despite being caught in bribery cases, 181 government employees across Maharashtra are still not suspended by their respective departments. This delay raises serious concerns about accountability and administrative willpower.

Breakdown by Employee Category:

Class 1 Officers: 36

Class 2 Officers: 32

Class 3 Staff: 107

Class 4 Staff: 6

In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Range, no suspension action has been taken against 6 employees from departments like Urban Development, Industries and Energy, Health, Law and Judiciary, Charity Commissionerate, Municipal Councils and Transport.

Departments with Pending Suspensions:

Rural Development / Panchayat Samiti – 4

Education & Sports – 7

Revenue – 3

Police – 3

Cooperation, Marketing & Textile – 2

This is Unbelievable!

In an even more shocking revelation, dismissal proceedings are still pending for 21 officials who have already been convicted in bribery cases. This includes 1 each from the Revenue Department (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Rural Development (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) and Cooperation & Marketing (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar).

Facing Harassment? Lodge a Complaint!

The Superintendent of Police (SP-ACB) Sandeep Atole said,” Once a bribery case is filed, the concerned department head is immediately informed via an official letter.

The responsibility to suspend the accused lies with that department. If you’re being harassed or if work is being deliberately stalled for bribes, you can directly file a complaint via: ACB Helpline: 1064 or Online Portal: https://acbmaharashtra.net/marathi/bribe_complaint”