CBI Arrests NHAI General Manager and Private Company Officials in Major Bribery Case, Rs 1.18 Crore Seized

Shimla, March 23: In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a senior official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) along with three employees of a private company in connection with a bribery case. The action, which came after a bribe transaction of Rs 15 lakh, resulted in the recovery of Rs 1.18 crore in cash, along with several incriminating documents.

The CBI had been investigating allegations of illegal practices involving the payment of bills related to NHAI contracts and projects. According to the agency, the accused, including senior NHAI officials and representatives of the private company, were colluding to facilitate the approval of bills in exchange for bribes. The case involves 12 accused individuals, including six senior officials from NHAI, four senior officials from the private company, a contractor, and other unidentified individuals.

Bribe Transaction Leads to Arrests

The CBI’s operation came to fruition on March 22, when they laid a trap in Patna and arrested the General Manager of NHAI red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15 lakh. In addition to the NHAI General Manager, a senior executive from the private company and two other representatives were also apprehended for their roles in facilitating the bribery.

The CBI’s investigation revealed that these public servants and the private company officials had been working together to approve bills for NHAI contracts and projects by accepting illegal payments. The agency alleges that the bribes were given in return for passing these bills, which were linked to various highway construction and maintenance projects.

Widespread Raids and Recovery of Cash and Documents

Following the arrests, the CBI launched extensive searches across several locations. Residential and official premises of the accused were raided in various cities, including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Purnia, Ranchi, and Varanasi. The raids led to the seizure of a staggering Rs 1.18 crore in cash, along with multiple digital devices and several documents containing sensitive and incriminating information related to the bribery scheme.

The CBI is currently scrutinizing the documents and digital evidence to further investigate the depth of the corruption network. Officials believe that the seized materials could provide vital insights into other illicit activities involving the accused.

Charges Under Prevention of Corruption Act

The CBI has registered the case under the Prevention of Corruption Act, a law designed to combat corruption within the public sector. All four individuals arrested, including the NHAI General Manager and the representatives of the private company, are in CBI custody, where they are being interrogated. The agency is expected to take further legal action as the investigation progresses.

This high-profile arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by the CBI to tackle corruption within public sector organizations. The NHAI, responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of the country’s highway infrastructure, has faced increasing scrutiny over such bribery cases, which hinder efficient and transparent operations. The government is expected to respond strongly to this incident, reinforcing its commitment to fighting corruption in public administration.

As the investigation continues, the CBI is likely to uncover more details about the extent of the corruption network and its impact on public infrastructure projects. This case serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of corruption and the ongoing need for vigilance within public institutions.