Why has the CBI arrested NHIDCL Executive Director for taking bribe?
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Synopsis
In a significant corruption crackdown, the CBI has detained a senior official from NHIDCL for allegedly taking a bribe to expedite a highway project. This incident reveals the depths of corruption within infrastructure development, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency in public service.
Key Takeaways
- The CBI arrested an NHIDCL Executive Director for alleged bribery.
- A bribe of Rs 10 lakh was accepted for project favors.
- Unaccounted cash of Rs 2.62 crore was recovered.
- Several properties and luxury vehicles linked to the accused are under investigation.
- Corruption in public projects remains a pressing issue.
Guwahati, Oct 15 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended the Executive Director and Regional Officer of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in Guwahati for purportedly receiving a bribe of Rs 10 lakh from a private entity. This payment was allegedly made in return for issuing a favorable completion certificate and extending the timeline for a highway project, officials disclosed on Wednesday.
As per a statement from the CBI, the arrest was made following a trap set on October 14, after the agency received intelligence regarding the alleged corruption.
The official was apprehended while accepting Rs 10 lakh from a representative of a private firm associated with a four-laning project on National Highway-37, which runs from Demow to the end of Moran Bypass in Assam.
This private company has also been involved in other contracts with NHIDCL across the state. The arrested individual has been identified as Maisnam Riten Kumar Singh, the Executive Director and Regional Officer of NHIDCL, based in Guwahati.
CBI officials indicated that the bribe was solicited to enable the issuance of a favorable extension of time (EOT) and the completion certificate for the project.
Alongside the NHIDCL Executive Director, another private individual was also detained during the operation.
Additionally, a person named Binod Kumar Jain, a representative of M/s Mohan Lal Jain from Kolkata, has also been taken into custody by the central agency due to his alleged involvement in this matter.
Following the arrests, CBI teams executed extensive searches at seven office and residential locations of the accused across various parts of India.
During these searches, investigators uncovered unaccounted cash totaling Rs 2.62 crore from the accused's residence.
Furthermore, the CBI has stated that preliminary investigations have indicated asset acquisitions by the accused officer and his family, which include nine landed properties and 20 apartments in different regions of the country.
Documents related to the ownership of luxury vehicles registered in his name have also been confiscated. The agency mentioned that a verification process for the accused's movable and immovable properties is currently ongoing.
Both the NHIDCL Executive Director and the private individual arrested in this case are scheduled to be presented before the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, in Guwahati later today.
Point of View
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of corruption in public institutions. As the nation grapples with issues of accountability, it is essential to promote transparency and integrity within government bodies. Our commitment at NationPress is to keep the public informed and advocate for a cleaner, more accountable governance system.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against the NHIDCL Executive Director?
The NHIDCL Executive Director was charged with accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh in exchange for issuing a favorable completion certificate and an extension of time for a highway project.
How much cash was recovered during the CBI raids?
The CBI recovered unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 2.62 crore from the residence of the accused.
What is the significance of this arrest?
This arrest highlights ongoing issues of corruption in public infrastructure projects and emphasizes the need for greater accountability in government operations.
What actions did the CBI take after the arrests?
Following the arrests, the CBI conducted extensive searches at multiple locations associated with the accused to gather more evidence.
What will happen to the arrested individuals?
The arrested individuals are set to be presented before the Court of Special Judge, CBI Cases, in Guwahati.
