Did CBI Really Arrest Oil India Official for a Rs 7 Lakh Bribe?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, the CBI has apprehended two individuals, including a senior Oil India official, for allegedly accepting a bribe to manipulate contract awards. The agency's investigations have unveiled a web of corruption and significant cash recoveries, raising questions about integrity in public service. What does this mean for accountability?
Key Takeaways
- Two individuals arrested for bribery linked to Oil India contracts.
- CBI recovered substantial cash and gold during raids.
- Corruption investigation raises questions about public sector integrity.
- Legal proceedings initiated against the accused individuals.
- Importance of accountability in maintaining public trust highlighted.
New Delhi, May 5 (NationPress) The CBI has detained two individuals, one of whom is the Deputy General Manager of Oil India Ltd (OIL) based in Duliajan, Assam, and the other is the DGM (Sales and Marketing) of a private firm located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. They are accused of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs 7 lakh to illicitly influence the awarding of contract work.
Search operations took place at the residential and professional locations of the suspects across various sites in Delhi, Noida, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia, resulting in the seizure of gold jewelry (received as a bribe), more than Rs 30 lakh in cash (from private individuals), mobile devices, and numerous incriminating documents, as stated by the CBI.
The agency reported that the OIL official, Prayas Chakravorty, utilized the Rs 7 lakh bribe to buy gold worth Rs 3.73 lakh.
Initially, Chakravorty requested 70 grams of gold jewelry for himself and for other unidentified public servants, according to the CBI.
A case was filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation on May 3 against four individuals, including Chakravorty and Kunal Gupta, Managing Director of United Drilling Tools, along with Jyoti Kumar Singh, DGM (Sales and Marketing) of the Noida-based company. The complaint also names the private firm and unidentified public and private entities as co-defendants.
The FIR indicated that the OIL official engaged in corrupt practices by securing undue benefits/bribes in exchange for facilitating the award of work and the clearance of invoices for the mentioned private contractors/suppliers, leading to significant personal gains at the expense of the Union Exchequer.
While Chakravorty and Singh discussed the bribe, Singh informed him that, due to certain circumstances, his company would be unable to procure gold for him.
Subsequently, Singh proposed to deliver Rs 7 lakh in cash instead of gold, as per the CBI.
After receiving the bribe, Chakravorty spent the money on gold coins valued at Rs 3,73,550 from a shop in Noida, retaining the remaining cash.
The CBI executed a sting operation shortly after and apprehended Chakravorty with approximately Rs 3.34 lakh in cash and documents pertaining to the gold transaction.
Following this, Chakravorty and Singh were presented before the Special CBI Judge in Ghaziabad, according to a statement from the CBI.
Point of View
It is my responsibility to ensure that accountability is upheld in our institutions. The recent arrests by the CBI not only highlight the critical need for transparency in public service but also serve as a reminder that corruption, if unchecked, can lead to severe consequences for our society and economy. We must support efforts that hold individuals accountable while fostering integrity in our institutions.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the CBI's investigation?
The CBI's investigation was initiated due to reports of bribery involving an Oil India official and a private company, leading to the arrest of two individuals.
What were the consequences of the alleged bribery?
The alleged bribery resulted in the manipulation of contract awards, causing significant financial loss to the Union Exchequer.
How much cash was recovered during the CBI raid?
The CBI recovered over Rs 30 lakh in cash during the raids at multiple locations.
What actions did the CBI take after the arrests?
Following the arrests, the CBI presented the accused before a Special CBI Judge in Ghaziabad for legal proceedings.
What is the broader impact of this case?
This case underscores the ongoing battle against corruption in public institutions and highlights the importance of accountability.
