Demonetisation: Maharashtra govt official held for demanding bribe of Rs 2500 in Rs 100 notes

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Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bold move of demonetising Rs 500, 1000 notes, aimed at curbing corruption and black money, is yielding positive results.

A Maharashtra government official was on Thursday arrested for allegedly demanding Rs 2500 bribe. Not only this the agricultural officer with the Mohol Panchayat Samiti insisted on being paid only in the Rs 100 denomination.

He was arrested by anti-corruption bureau officials.

The officer, Balasaheb Bhikaji Babar, was approached by the complainant Dattatray Bedge for clearing his Krishi Seva Kendra proposal, police said.

The officer insisted the complainant bring 25 notes of Rs 100 as the government has demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, a police official told PTI.

A case has been filed under sections 7, 13 (1) and 13 (2) of the anti-corruption Act at the Mohol police station in Solapur district, police said.

Addressing the nation, Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi on Tuesday said, “To break the grip of corruption and black money, we have decided that the five hundred rupee and thousand rupee currency notes presently in use will no longer be legal tender from midnight tonight, that is 8th November 2016.”

The five hundred and thousand rupee notes hoarded by anti-national and anti-social elements will become just worthless pieces of paper. The rights and the interests of honest, hard-working people will be fully protected. Let me assure you that notes of one hundred, fifty, twenty, ten, five, two and one rupee and all coins will remain legal tender and will not be affected.

This step will strengthen the hands of the common man in the fight against corruption, black money and fake currency. To minimise the difficulties of citizens in the coming days, several steps are being taken.