Corruption in Maharashtra’s social security apparatus took a hit Tuesday as a Satara court convicted Swapnil Jadhav, an ESIC Social Security Officer, sentencing him to one year’s hard labor and a hefty Rs 50,000 fine. The decision rested on compelling CBI evidence and courtroom testimonies invoking the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The scandal unfolded in 2016 when a firm owner reported Jadhav’s extortion bid. To dodge a Rs 3 lakh penalty for staffing over 10 uninsured workers, Jadhav initially quoted Rs 30,000, later dropping to Rs 25,000.
CBI’s trap operation on March 28 sealed his fate, with officers capturing the bribe exchange involving a middleman. Arrests followed immediately, leading to a chargesheet in June. Years of legal proceedings ended with Jadhav’s conviction; his associate Abhijit Jadhav was exonerated.
This case exemplifies the perils of abusing public office for personal gain and the CBI’s pivotal role in upholding integrity. It sends ripples through administrative circles, urging reforms to prevent similar abuses and safeguard vulnerable employers from predatory officials.