What Did the CBI Discover in the Guwahati Bribery Case?
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Synopsis
The CBI has unveiled a vast network of illicit wealth tied to the NHIDCL's Executive Director in Guwahati. This shocking discovery, resulting from extensive raids, reveals a troubling level of corruption and asset accumulation linked to public service. What further secrets will the investigation uncover?
Key Takeaways
- The CBI has uncovered significant unreported wealth linked to an NHIDCL official.
- Raids led to the recovery of over Rs 2.62 crore and numerous luxury assets.
- The investigation highlights ongoing corruption issues within public services.
- Authorities are scrutinizing the legitimacy of the official's assets.
- Legal actions are underway against the implicated individuals.
Guwahati, Oct 17 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a significant amount of unreported wealth belonging to the detained Executive Director and Regional Officer of the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), based in Guwahati. This revelation came after a series of raids conducted in various cities, as reported by officials on Friday.
The officer was apprehended on October 14, allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a private contractor, placing him at the heart of an expanding corruption investigation. This probe has revealed astonishing assets registered in his name and that of his family.
During the raids executed at his offices and residences in Guwahati, Ghaziabad, and Imphal, CBI officials seized Rs 2.62 crore in cash, along with numerous documents pertaining to real estate and investments.
The confiscated items include ownership papers for nine luxury apartment units, one office space, and three residential plots in the Delhi-NCR region; one upscale apartment and a residential plot in Bengaluru; four high-end apartments and two plots in Guwahati; and two homestead plots along with farmland in Imphal West.
Investigators also discovered documents indicating possession of six luxury vehicles, two high-end watches valued at several lakhs, and a 100-gram silver bar. The agency suspects that many of these properties were acquired at undervalued prices and are currently under investigation.
According to officials, the bribery case was initiated after receiving intelligence that the senior NHIDCL official was soliciting illegal payments from contractors in exchange for favorable project approvals.
The CBI set a trap and apprehended him while he was collecting the bribe for granting an extension of time and a completion certificate related to a four-laning project on National Highway 37 between Demow and the end of Moran Bypass in Assam, among other contracts.
The implicated official and a representative from a private company, who was also taken into custody during the operation, were presented before the Special CBI Court in Assam and have been remanded for three days in police custody.
The CBI has confirmed that the investigation into the disproportionate assets and associated transactions is ongoing.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of the situation involving the NHIDCL official in Guwahati. This case exemplifies the persistent issue of corruption within public services, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms. The ongoing CBI investigation is vital for restoring public trust and ensuring accountability in governance.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the CBI investigation?
The CBI investigation was initiated following intelligence reports that the NHIDCL official was soliciting bribes from contractors for favorable project clearances.
What were the findings during the raids?
The raids resulted in the seizure of Rs 2.62 crore in cash, numerous real estate ownership documents, luxury vehicles, and high-value items such as watches and silver.
What charges does the Executive Director face?
The Executive Director faces charges related to accepting bribes and possessing disproportionate assets.
Is the investigation ongoing?
Yes, the CBI has confirmed that the investigation into the official's assets and related transactions is continuing.
What actions were taken against the arrested individuals?
The arrested individuals were produced before the Special CBI Court in Assam and have been remanded to police custody for further questioning.
