Bhopal: A general manager of State Civil Supplies Corporation was placed under suspension on Wednesday after he was caught on camera demanding bribe in a sting operation conducted by a TV channel. Shrikant Soni demanded Rs 4 lakh for arranging sale of a ‘huge quantity’ of onions without bidding.
The sting operation was conducted at the Bhopal office of the corporation, where the TV reporter, disguised as a trader, requested the GM to ‘manage’ sale of onions to him. Soni promised to make onions available at the rate of Rs 2.10 kg from either Shujalpur or Maxi.
When asked what it would cost, Soni replies, “Three lakh, three-and-a-half lakhs, four lakhs. This much will be needed,” and reminds that the amount will have to be paid in advance.
The reporter queries, “Sir, in cash or in account?” The answer is prompt. “In cash. And keep it a secret. You can make the payment in the office. There will be no problem.”
When the reporter agrees with a “Theek hai, sir”, the GM again reminds him, “Payment will be needed. I will have to give some there (Shujalpur). Some amount will have to be given here also. Traders will also have to be paid. It is the question of system. I will manage. You should keep the amount ready,” he says at the end of the conversation.
The onions being talked about are the huge stocks purchased by the government for Rs 2 per kg from the producers and lying in the godowns of the corporation, which has been mandated with disposing them of.
