Bhopal: Sagar Mayor Abhay Durrey likely to be axed after bribery allegations found prima facie true

The Madhya Pradesh government on Friday withdrew the financial and administrative powers of Sagar mayor Abhay Durrey, a precursor to him being axed -- after he was found prima facie involved in a bribery scandal, exposed through his voice recording on phone.

The recording of Durrey demanding bribe while withholding payment to him came to light two weeks back after which the state government instituted an inquiry by Commissioner, Urban Administration Vivek Agarwal. Durrey was prima facie found guilty in the inquiry conducted by Agarwal.

A voice recording of Durrey and a contractor found its way on social media after which the state government instituted an inquiry. In the recording, Durrey asked the contractor to pay him a commission for release of his dues. During the inquiry, it was found that the figures quoted in the conversation



corresponded with the actual figures pertaining to the work as noted in the files.

The state government is also learnt to be transferring the case now for criminal action to the Economic Offences Wing.

Sources said that Abhay Durrey, who was elected on a BJP ticket, will be asked to resign failing which the state government will dismiss him. A byelection is likely to be held in Sagar in the eventuality of the mayor being removed as the mayor in Madhya Pradesh's municipal corporations is directly elected by people.

Abhay Durrey's removal is also being seen as a fallout of the political rivalry between BJP leader and state rural development minister Gopal Bhargava and state home minister Bhupendra Singh who is close to the CM. Abhay Durrey is perceived to be from Bhupendra Singh's rival faction.