Nearly a decade after a bribery complaint was first registered, a special court in Satara has convicted a Social Security Officer of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in a corruption case investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
On February 10, 2026, the Special Judge for Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act cases in Satara sentenced accused Swapnil Jadhav to one year of imprisonment along with a fine of ₹50,000.
The court held that the public servant had demanded illegal gratification from a complainant in exchange for not imposing a proposed penalty of ₹3,00,000 on his firm. The penalty was reportedly linked to the employment of more than 10 workers under ESIC provisions.
According to the prosecution, the CBI registered the case on March 28, 2016, based on a written complaint alleging that Jadhav had demanded ₹30,000 to “settle” the matter and refrain from taking penal action. Following negotiations, the bribe amount was allegedly reduced to ₹25,000.
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After verifying the complaint, the CBI laid a trap on the same day. During the operation, the accused was caught red-handed while accepting ₹25,000 from the complainant. A private individual, identified as Abhijit Jadhav, was also present at the time and was arrested along with the public servant. The tainted money was recovered during the trap proceedings.
Upon completion of the investigation, the CBI filed a charge sheet against Swapnil Jadhav and co-accused Abhijit Jadhav on June 28, 2016. During the trial, the prosecution relied on trap proceedings, recovery memos, witness testimonies and documentary evidence to establish the demand and acceptance of illegal gratification.
After a prolonged trial spanning nearly 10 years, the special court found Swapnil Jadhav guilty and sentenced him to one year of imprisonment along with a monetary fine. However, the court acquitted co-accused Abhijit Jadhav of all charges, granting him the benefit of doubt.
Legal observers noted that cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act often hinge on clear proof of demand and acceptance of bribe, and trap operations play a crucial evidentiary role. The conviction in this case underscores the importance of documentary support and independent witnesses in corruption prosecutions.
The CBI stated that the judgment reinforces its commitment to a zero-tolerance approach toward corruption among public servants. The agency reiterated that misuse of official position for personal gain is a serious offence and will be dealt with strictly under law.
Officials indicated that necessary legal formalities will follow in accordance with the court’s order. The convict will have to undergo the awarded sentence, and the fine must be deposited within the stipulated timeframe.
The case is being seen as another example of accountability within public institutions and highlights the role of investigative agencies and the judiciary in addressing corruption complaints, even when trials take several years to conclude.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
