Bribery: Fisheries officials in net

As per the government norms,Kadam’s fishing firm was supposed to provide employment to local fishermen from the Gosavi and Bhoi community. But the firm violated the norms,following which,Jagtap submitted a report to his senior Salve for cancellation of the contract given to Kadam’s firm. Accordingly,on June 15,2009,Salve issued an order for cancelling the contract given to Kadam’s firm.

Kadam then appealed before Ravi Patil,the minister of state fisheries department. Patil gave a temporary stay on the order passed by Salve and asked Kadam to file an appeal before the Commissioner of department of fisheries in Mumbai. Kadam reportedly had a meeting with Salve at his Pune office on Bhandarkar Road.

Here Salve and Jagtap asked Kadam to file his appeal before the Commissioner of department of fisheries in Mumbai and demanded Rs 60,000 from Kadam to help him for restoration of his contract.

Kadam then lodged a complaint at ACB,Pune office on July 23. ACB sleuths initiated probe into the matter. Probe revealed that Salve and Jagtap demanded money from Kadam after the order for restoration of his fishing contract was passed.

Kadam’s case came up for hearing before the Commissioner of department of fisheries in Mumbai on September 23. As the order was passed in favour of Kadam,Salve demanded the money from him. However,Kadam paid him Rs 20,000 and assured to give the remaining amoung on receiving the hard copy of the order.

Meanwhile the duo were produced at a city court today,where they were granted bail.

Accordingly,on Thursday,Kadam called Jagtap at hotel Akshay near Pune station for taking the remaining amount. The ACB sleuths laid a trap and nabbed Jagtap while accepting Rs 40,000 from Kadam.

The investigation team comprised of assistant commissioners Sanjay Naik Patil,Padmakar Ghanwat,Ajay Kadam,inspectors Sanjay Bhamre,Bhagwan Patil and others.