The Anti Corruption Branch (ACB) sleuths have arrested panch of Anjuna village panchayat Hanumant Govekar on charges of extortion while two are absconding.
The investigation team booked three members of the panchayat following complaint from businessman Samar Merchant alleging that Surendra Govekar, Sheetal Dabolkar and Hanumant Govekar have been demanding extortion amount from him.
“One of the panch members of the opposition Anjuna panchayat Surendra Govekar accused him (Merchant) of carrying out illegal activities on his property at Ozran beach. To the bet of his abilities, this panch tried to defame and scare him after publicising false news. When Merchant tried to amicably resolve the misunderstanding, he was met with demands for huge sums which was to be shared by three of them including Hanumant and Sheetal,” a press statement reads.
It was hereafter that Merchant approached the ACB with a formal complaint against the trio. A trap was laid and Hanumant was caught whereas the other two allegedly absconded. In a statement to the media, Merchant said, “I would like to thank the entire ACB team and especially officer Nilesh who through his undivided dedication and hard work has helped me seek justice.”
The ACB is on a lookout for the other two while Hanumant will be produced before the magistrate for remand.
