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CBI books two Nashik school principals for ₹40,000 bribery demand
The Central Bureau of Investigation registered a case against two Nashik-based principals of residential schools run under the state Tribal Development Department for allegedly demanding ₹40,000 to close an internal disciplinary inquiry against a school employee. The accused, P Savale and D Sonawane, are charged with criminal conspiracy and seeking undue advantage as public servants, with the complainant providing a recorded conversation as part of the evidence.
Why It Matters
The case illustrates ongoing anti-corruption efforts in public education administration and shows the use of recorded conversations in investigations.
Timeline
3 Events
CBI verification corroborates recorded conversation
April 21, 2026
During the verification exercise conducted by the CBI in the presence of independent witnesses, a recording purportedly between the complainant and Sonawane was corroborated by the agency.
CBI registers case against two Nashik principals
April 21, 2026
The CBI registered a case against the two principals, P Savale and D Sonawane, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act, including charges of criminal conspiracy and seeking undue advantage as public servants. The case concerns the alleged ₹40,000 bribe to close the disciplinary proceedings.
Alleged bribe demand during disciplinary proceedings
April 12, 2026
An employee of one of the Nashik-based residential schools alleged that principal D Sonawane demanded ₹40,000 to close the internal disciplinary inquiry. The complainant reported that after a show-cause notice, he was directed to appear before a disciplinary committee, and Savale allegedly instructed him to meet Sonawane regarding closure of the inquiry. The bribe was said to be shared equally with Savale. The employee also claimed to have recorded conversations related to the alleged demand.