Thane Anti-Corruption Bureau Nabs Officer and Her Assistant Red-Handed in Bribery Case Linked to Beer Bar License
MUMBAI, May 3, 2025 — The Thane Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Shweta Laxman Naik (54), an Excise Sub-Inspector posted in Virar, for allegedly accepting a ₹10,000 bribe through her private assistant Tanish Ajit Patil (23). The arrest was made on the evening of May 2, following a complaint filed earlier by the owner of a beer bar named Drink and Dim.
According to the ACB, the complainant was allegedly pressured by Sub-Inspector Naik to pay ₹2,000 per month as an unofficial fee to operate the beer bar, and an additional ₹1,000 for processing an employee application, totaling ₹11,000 in bribes. However, the amount was later negotiated down to ₹10,000.
Chronology of the Bribery Case
-
April 28, 2025: The complainant filed a formal complaint with the Thane ACB, alleging that the Excise Sub-Inspector had demanded bribes.
-
April 30, 2025: Naik allegedly confirmed to the complainant that ₹10,000 would suffice.
-
May 2, 2025 (Evening): ACB laid a trap and caught Tanish Patil red-handed while accepting the bribe on behalf of Naik. Subsequently, Naik was also arrested.
The entire operation was carried out under the supervision of Thane ACB Superintendent Shivraj Patil. A formal FIR was registered at the Virar Police Station at approximately 5:45 PM on the same day.
Ongoing Investigation
Both accused are now in ACB custody, and further investigation is underway to determine if additional officials are involved or if this was part of a larger corruption network within the Excise Department.
The ACB has reiterated its commitment to cracking down on corruption and has urged the public to report any similar demands for bribes by public officials.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
