In a recent development, two officials from the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) were suspended following their arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on charges of corruption. The CBI had apprehended Sandeep Dhankar, a health supervisor in the sanitary department, and Chander Mohan, the chief sanitary inspector (CSI), on Tuesday. The arrest came in the wake of allegations that the duo had demanded a bribe in exchange for reinstating a previously dismissed employee.
Sandeep Dhankar and Chander Mohan were taken into custody by the CBI, with the agency also recovering a sum of ₹1 lakh from them. The arrest stemmed from a complaint lodged by Jatinder, a resident of Ram Darbar, who had been removed from the department. It was reported that Mohan had purportedly asked for ₹2.5 lakh to facilitate Jatinder's reinstatement. Subsequently, Mohan informed Kumar, another individual involved, that a minimum of ₹2 lakh should be paid, as Dhankar had apparently demanded ₹4 lakh for the reappointment. However, Kumar resisted making the payment.
Prompt action was taken by the municipal corporation in response to the arrests. Although official communication from the Chandigarh MC had not been received at the time of reporting, both Dhankar and Mohan were suspended from their positions. An official from the MC confirmed this move, emphasizing that the lack of official communication did not deter the decision to suspend the implicated individuals.
This incident sheds light on the efforts being made to combat corruption within the Chandigarh MC. The alleged actions of these officials not only jeopardized the integrity of the municipal department but also underscored the challenges faced by honest employees like Jatinder. As investigations continue, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding transparency and ethical conduct in public service.
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In a bid to restore public trust and ensure the fair functioning of government bodies, the authorities are taking the necessary steps to address the situation. The suspension of the officials demonstrates a commitment to accountability and a clear message that corrupt practices will not be tolerated. As the legal proceedings unfold, observers will be keen to see how the case evolves and whether it marks a turning point in the battle against corruption within the Chandigarh MC.