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MUMBAI: A senior official of the deputy Registrar of Cooperative societies K west division was caught by the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) accepting a bribe of Rs 2 lakhs. The ACB officials on Tuesday arrested Vikas Ramchandra Korde, Cooperative Officer Grade-2, serving under the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies, K West Division and been booked him under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.According to ACB officials, the complainant, who was serving as the treasurer of a housing society, had raised objections regarding alleged illegal activities carried out by the committee members of the society, including its secretary. In response, the complainant was unlawfully removed from his position.Following this, the complainant approached the office of the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies, K West Division, Bandra (East), seeking redressal, removal of the current committee, and the appointment of new members. The Deputy Registrar’s office passed an order reinstating the complainant to the committee. However, no disciplinary action was taken against the secretary, prompting the complainant to seek further clarification from the cooperative department.It was during this process that public servants Sunil Kothawale and Vikas Korde allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs. 4 lakh to expedite the matter. The complainant, unwilling to succumb to the demand, reported the incident to the ACB.Subsequent verification confirmed the bribe demand. In a trap laid Korde was caught red-handed accepting the first installment of Rs. 2 lakh from the complainant. The ACB has since registered a case against him, and further investigation is underway to identify the involvement of other officials.“The arrest of a cooperative officer while accepting a bribe underscores the department’s commitment to fighting corruption. Citizens are urged to report such incidents without fear,” said an ACB spokesperson.