Has CBI Arrested Bank Manager for Bribery in PM Job Scheme?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The CBI has arrested a bank manager for soliciting a bribe related to a government loan.
- Corruption in public services continues to be a pressing issue.
- Sting operations by the CBI are critical in uncovering illicit activities.
- Accountability mechanisms need strengthening in financial institutions.
- Public trust in government schemes is paramount.
New Delhi, May 30 (NationPress) - The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended two individuals, including the Branch Manager of Bihar Gramin Bank at the Babhangama branch in Sitamarhi, Bihar, along with a daily wage employee, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a customer.
A case was initiated by the CBI on Thursday against the bank manager on the grounds that he solicited a bribe of Rs 15,000 from the complainant in order to release the subsidy amount linked to a previously sanctioned and disbursed PM's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) loan in 2022.
The CBI set up a sting operation, resulting in the capture of both suspects while they were demanding and receiving the bribe amount of Rs 10,000.
Subsequently, both suspects were arrested and presented before the CBI Court of Special Judge in Patna.
In an unrelated incident, the CBI also charged a Vijayawada-based officer from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Ramakanth Sagar Muthyala, for soliciting a bribe of Rs 1 lakh from a water hand pump manufacturer in return for issuing a license.
Following an inspection of the company's workshop on March 4, Muthyala demanded the bribe for providing a favorable report.
The firm owner paid Rs 75,000 in bribes.
Afterward, the BIS Joint Director submitted a report from the physical inspection, and a license was subsequently granted.
S. Srinivasa Rao, owner of Vizia Visakha Enterprises, transferred the bribe amount of Rs 75,000 via mobile wallet on March 4, 2025, in two installments of Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000.
The complainant had applied for a BIS license for his firm on February 20 through his consultant Ayush Sarma from A.N. Global Services, Delhi.
After submitting the application, Sarma informed the complainant that Muthyala would contact him regarding the inspection of the firm's workshop in Srikakulam prior to the license issuance.
Following approval from the competent authority, the CBI filed an FIR against the BIS official on May 27.
The accused from Vijayawada was charged by the CBI for demanding and accepting illegal gratification.