Sources in the MMRDA informed that Departmental inquiry has been instituted against COO Mono Rail DLN Murthy in the bribery case filed by ACB- Anti Corruption Bureau. MMRDA also informed that inquiry into disproportionate assets of DLN Murthy has also begun. The case registered by ACB Anti-Corruption Bureau- Maharashtra CR 35/2021 on 16/8/21, goes on to say, “on the investigations done on 2/7/21 it is established that a bribe amount of Rs 20,00,000- has been demanded by the COO Mr DR D L N Murthy- COO- Mumbai Monorail”
Govt has given the permission for prosecution. In a letter addressed by Urban Development Ministry MMRDA/3321/893/7 addressed to MMRDA Commissioner and copy marked to Anti-Corruption Bureau says that COO- Mono Rail is a MMRDA contractual appointee. Principal Secretary UD-1 Bhushan Gagrani said, “that COO-Mono Rail is a contractual appointment by MMRDA and not State Govt appointed. So ACB can prosecute directly no Govt permission required. Yes Departmental action is necessary”
Bhushan Gagrani- Secretary-UD-1 |
CM Uddhav Thackeray in an email response had mentioned, that the matter is referred to Principal Urban Secretary, UD-1 Mr Bhushan Gagrani for further action. Urban Development Ministry in an official communication to MMRDA Commissioner SVR Srinivas mentioned of letter received from Anti Corruption Bureau – asking for Departmental action the letter from Urban Development Ministry was received by MMRDA Commissioners office on 7/9/21
Earlier the ACB had informed Bribe was demanded by the MMRDA COO Mono Rail Mr DR D L N Murthy- COO. There is audio recording of phone calls and “in-person”- audio recording. ACB informed that the “Demand” of bribe made was established but the second part of “acceptance” was not executed but the offence u/s 7, Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 remains.
MMRDA informed if COO-Mono Rail DLN Murthy accepts the Charges, there will be immediate action. Or else a departmental committee headed by either the AMC-1 or AMC-2 will initiate proceedings. MMRDA also informed that Disproportionate Assets proceedings have begun.
