A 10-minute audio conversation in which Kota DRM is purportedly heard demanding a bribe of Rs 50,000 from a railway hospital doctor has gone viral on a social networking application, following which Western Railways refuted the allegations.
The response came after the conversation purportedly between DRM Archana Joshi and in-charge of Kota railway hospital Anil Gupta went viral on a social networking application yesterday. In the audio, Joshi, who left Kota last evening after her transfer, is heard allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 50,000 from the doctor.
The doctor is heard pleading with the Divisional Railway Manager about his inability to pay Rs 50,000. Later he is also heard as saying that he has already paid Rs 5.25 lakh to her but the DRM insisted on getting Rs 50,000.
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Yashwant Choudhary refuted the allegations that bribe was demanded from the doctor by the DRM.
Choudhary said the DRM was honest and only devoted to her work and alleged that the doctor had uploaded the conversation to manipulate and defame an honest officer.
He further said the amount of Rs 5.25 lakh which Gupta is heard mentioning in the audio was the money collected as a contribution for Woman Welfare Organisation of Railway.
He further said the railways would take action against the doctor for violating the code of conduct by publicising the conversation in media.
Meanwhile, the DRM could not be contacted for her comment.
Gupta could also not be contacted for a comment. He was reported to have been admitted at a private hospital this morning following complaints of chest pain.
The present DRM of Kota Railway Seema Singh, who joined in Joshi's place yesterday, also did not attend the calls and her personal secretary said she was busy in meetings.
