Did CBI Arrest a CPRI Official in a Bribery Case and Seize Over Rs 3.7 Crore?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CBI arrests CPRI Joint Director in bribery case.
- Bribery amount involved was Rs 9.5 lakh.
- Over Rs 3.7 crore in cash and foreign currency seized.
- Investigation ongoing to uncover further corruption.
- CPRI plays a crucial role in testing electrical equipment.
Bengaluru, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a Joint Director from the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) in Bengaluru, tied to a bribery scandal involving Rs 9.5 lakh, according to an official announcement made by the agency on Friday.
This arrest came after the filing of an FIR on January 8 against the senior CPRI official along with certain private individuals, under allegations of collusive corruption. The CBI claims that the accused were reportedly engaged in soliciting and receiving bribes in exchange for favorable testing reports for electrical products produced by a private entity, M/s Sudhir Group of Companies.
Following the registration of the case, the CBI executed a sting operation, apprehending the Joint Director alongside an executive of the private firm while they were allegedly exchanging the bribe sum of Rs 9.5 lakh on January 9 in Bengaluru.
Further investigations at the official’s residence uncovered a significant amount of suspected illicit wealth. The CBI confiscated cash totaling Rs 3.59 crore, along with foreign currencies in various denominations, such as US Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Singapore Dollars, Indonesian Rupiah, Malaysian Ringgit, Euros, Chinese Yuan (Renminbi), Swedish Krona, and UAE Dirhams. The value of the foreign currency is approximated to be around Rs 4.05 lakh.
In addition to the cash and foreign currency, authorities also seized jewelry and other incriminating documents during the searches. The total amount recovered thus far stands at approximately Rs 3.76 crore, inclusive of the foreign currency, as stated by the agency.
CBI officials mentioned that search operations are ongoing, and additional recoveries cannot be dismissed. The investigation continues to determine the full scope of the alleged corruption and the involvement of other parties.
The Central Power Research Institute is a leading institution under the Union Ministry of Power, tasked with the testing and certification of electrical equipment utilized throughout the nation.
Further updates are anticipated.