CBI Arrests Two Accused, Including Conservation Assistant of Archaeological Survey of India, for Accepting Bribe of Rs. 20,000
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two individuals, including a Conservation Assistant from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and a contractual employee working as a Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) at the ASI Pandavleni Office in Nashik, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000 from the complainant.
A case was registered by the CBI following allegations that in September 2024, the complainant, a graphic designer employed at a private company in Nashik, had his drone camera seized by the ASI when he was filming at the Trimbakeshwar temple for an advertisement. The drone was confiscated by temple authorities and handed over to ASI officials.
It was further alleged that when the complainant approached the ASI office to retrieve his drone, the accused Conservation Assistant at the ASI Pandavleni office demanded a bribe of Rs. 50,000 for its release. The accused reportedly threatened the complainant that, if the bribe was not paid, the drone would be transferred to the ASI’s Aurangabad Office. After negotiations, the accused agreed to accept a reduced bribe of Rs. 20,000, which was to be delivered through a contractual MTS employee.
CBI laid a trap and apprehended the MTS employee red-handed while he was demanding and accepting the bribe of Rs. 20,000 on behalf of the Conservation Assistant. Both accused were subsequently arrested and presented before the Competent Court in Nashik on March 18, 2025, where the Court granted two days of police custody for further investigation.
CBI also conducted a search at the residential premises of the accused, which led to the recovery of incriminating documents. The investigation is ongoing.
