has confessed in a statement recorded under Section 164 CrPC before magistrate Ram Prabhudesai that he accepted the bribe on behest of deputy director Vishram Govekar.
In the statement, Gawade said Govekar asked him to take Rs 5 lakh from the assistant motor vehicles inspector (AMVI) to settle the service issues, which he, Govekar, as a Vigilance Officer of the Transport Department was investigating.
Sources said that Gawade had been given 48 hours to think about his statement being recorded and willingly made the statement.
Govekar is due to retire in January 2016. He will be summoned for interrogation and is likely to be arrested by ACB, however, ACB officers refused to comment on this.
The audio clip, recorded by the complainant in the matter, which also mentions a senior officer’s involvement in corrupt practices, will be sent for forensic analysis to ascertain allegations of corruption.
Sources said the recorded evidence would be sent to CBI’s laboratory next week.
