Palghar, Maharashtra: The Thane Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully apprehended a Goods and Services Tax (GST) officer and a private tax consultant for accepting a bribe of Rs 15 lakh.

The operation, conducted on March 9, 2025, resulted in the arrest of private tax consultant Eknath Pednekar, while the Deputy Commissioner of GST, Palghar - Tatyasaheb Dhere, is currently on the run.

The case originated from a complaint filed on February 28, 2025, by a 52-year-old businessman. The complainant alleged that Dhere, through Pednekar, demanded Rs 15 lakh to reduce the GST and penalty imposed on his manufacturing business, Santosh Engineering Work.

The ACB verified the complaint on March 8, 2025, confirming the bribe demand. Subsequently, a trap was laid on March 9, 2025. Pednekar instructed the complainant to bring the bribe money to Aniruddha Hotel on Chimatpada Road in Andheri, near his office.

During the operation, Pednekar was caught red-handed accepting the bribe. He had asked the complainant to place the money under a table while five independent witnesses observed the exchange. Dhere, who was present during the transaction, left the scene before the arrest.

Pednekar has been taken into custody, and a search is underway to apprehend Dhere. A case is being registered against both the accused under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.

The sting operation was conducted by Police Inspector Rupali Pol of the Thane ACB led the operation, under the supervision of ACB Superintendent of Police Shivraj Patil and Additional Superintendents of Police Sanjay Govilkar and Suhas Shinde.