Pune: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested a talathi from Baner and a middleman for accepting a ₹10,000 bribe to process an inheritance transfer. During the operation, the ACB also seized ₹3 lakh in cash from the talathi’s vehicle.

The arrested individuals were identified as Talathi Umesh Vitthal Devghade (39) and middleman Kaluram Dnyandev Marne (39), a resident of Dandekar Pool, Sinhagad Road. The complainant approached the ACB after Devghade demanded ₹20,000 to register the complainant’s wife as the heir to land owned by her deceased father.

After negotiations, the bribe amount was reduced to ₹10,000. Acting on the complaint, the ACB set a trap at the talathi office in Baner on Friday. Marne accepted the money on behalf of Devghade and was caught red-handed by the ACB team. During questioning, Marne confessed that he was acting as an intermediary for Devghade.

Further investigation led to a search of Devghade’s car, where ₹3 lakh in cash was found. The ACB registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act at Baner Police Station against both individuals.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of ACB Superintendent of Police Shirish Sardeshpande and Additional Superintendent Dr. Sheetal Janve. Deputy Superintendent of Police Neeta Misal is currently handling the investigation.