Five Tenders, ₹91.57 Lakh in Works: ACB Probe Reveals Alleged Bribe Demand in PCMC

Three pending files worth ₹38 lakh reportedly linked to a ₹19,000 demand; Chief Engineer Pramod Ombase arrested after ACB verification

Pimpri-Chinchwad : A bribery case involving the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) Water Supply Department has raised serious questions about the civic body’s tender approval and contract execution procedures. Following the arrest of Chief Engineer Pramod Sudhakar Ombase by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on October 29, details emerging from the complaint and investigation records have brought to light allegations involving five municipal contracts worth ₹91.57 lakh.

The case is not limited to a single tender file. According to the ACB complaint, the contractor concerned had secured five works related to the maintenance and repair of the water supply network and the installation of new pipelines. The combined tender value of these projects was ₹91,57,068. The contractor was required to execute agreements with the municipal corporation and obtain the necessary signatures from the concerned officials before receiving work orders. It was during this process that the alleged demand for illegal gratification surfaced.

Five Tenders and an Alleged 0.5% Commission

According to the complaint, the contractor alleged that Ajay Suryawanshi had initially demanded a commission of 0.5% of the total tender value, amounting to ₹45,785, for signing the agreements.

The contractor reportedly responded that the matter could be discussed after completion of the work. Subsequently, three of the five tender files were signed and forwarded to Chief Engineer Pramod Ombase, while the remaining approval process continued.

The complaint further states that the contractor met Ombase on May 29, 2026, regarding the pending files. During the meeting, Ombase allegedly demanded ₹45,785, equivalent to 0.5% of the combined value of all five tenders, for signing the agreements.

Three Tender Files Worth ₹38 Lakh and ₹19,000 Demand

A significant detail emerged during the ACB’s verification process conducted on June 11, 2026.

According to the agency’s findings reported in the media, three tender files worth approximately ₹38 lakh were pending with Ombase. During verification, he allegedly demanded ₹19,000, calculated at 0.5% of the combined value of these three works. The ACB complaint also reportedly refers to an earlier instance in which Ombase acknowledged having accepted a bribe from the complainant. These details form part of the allegations and verification records cited in the case. The charges will have to be established through the legal process.

Five-Month Gap Between Complaint and Arrest

The chronology of the case indicates a gap of more than four months between the complaint and the eventual police action.

• May 29, 2026: The contractor reportedly met Chief Engineer Pramod Ombase regarding the pending tender files.
• June 11, 2026: The contractor approached the ACB, and verification of the alleged bribe demand was conducted.
• October 29, 2026: A case was registered at Sant Tukaram Nagar Police Station under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
• 3 pm, October 29: ACB officials arrested Ombase in connection with the alleged bribery demand.

Tender Approval Process Under Scrutiny

The case has brought the PCMC Water Supply Department’s tender approval, work order issuance and agreement-signing procedures under scrutiny. The allegations concern five separate municipal works awarded to a contractor, with the investigation records referring to demands linked to both the total tender value and three pending files.

The ACB complaint also mentions the alleged role of Ajay Suryawanshi in the earlier demand. However, the available information does not establish that a separate criminal case has been registered against him or that he has been arrested in this matter. The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged demands, the movement of the tender files and the role, if any, of other officials.

The case has once again brought attention to the need for transparency and accountability in municipal tender procedures. Further developments in the ACB investigation will be crucial in determining the complete extent of the allegations.