CBI Arrests Official for Accepting Rs 18,000 Bribe in
Srinagar, May 28 (WD): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended an official in Banihal area of Ramban district for accepting a bribe of Rs 18,000 from a complainant. This arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government offices.
According to a statement issued to the Wattan Daily (WD), the CBI had registered a case against the accused based on allegations that the official demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 from the complainant. The bribe was solicited for processing the complainant’s application for land settlement, a critical administrative procedure.
Following negotiations, the accused agreed to reduce the bribe amount to Rs 18,000. This adjustment was made as part of an apparent compromise to facilitate the complainant’s request without further delays. Such instances of negotiation are not uncommon in bribery cases, reflecting the pervasive nature of corruption.
To catch the official in the act, the CBI laid a strategic trap. The operation, carried out yesterday, resulted in the official being caught red-handed while accepting the bribe. The successful execution of this trap underscores the agency’s meticulous planning and dedication to eradicating corruption.
Subsequent to the arrest, the CBI conducted searches at the residential and official premises of the accused. These searches yielded significant findings, including the recovery of cash amounting to Rs 3,71,500. This discovery points to potential larger-scale corrupt activities beyond the immediate case.
In addition to the cash, various other documents were seized during the searches. These documents are likely to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation, potentially unveiling a network of corrupt practices within the official’s scope of work.
The CBI’s statement emphasizes that the investigation is ongoing. The agency is expected to delve deeper into the case to uncover any further illicit activities and to ensure that all involved parties are brought to justice.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent issue of corruption within administrative processes. The CBI’s proactive measures in this case are a testament to their commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency in public services.
