Shimla, Dec 26,
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a major bribery case involving a senior Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer posted in Shimla and his associate brother. Acting on a complaint filed at the CBI office in Chandigarh, the agency has launched an extensive investigation into allegations of graft totaling ₹2.5 crore.
Sources indicate that the ED officer demanded bribes from two individuals under investigation for money laundering. Summoning the accused to the ED office in Shimla, the officer allegedly threatened arrest unless bribes of ₹1.5 crore and ₹1 crore were paid. The officer’s associate is believed to have facilitated the transactions.
Following the complaint, a CBI team-initiated investigations in Shimla but found the officer untraceable after he went into hiding and turned off his phone. Meanwhile, the associate was intercepted in Chandigarh, attempting to flee in a vehicle carrying ₹54 lakh in cash.
Subsequent raids on the associate’s residence resulted in the recovery of an additional ₹60 lakh. The CBI also searched the ED office in Shimla, seizing critical documents connected to the case. The associate, a senior official in a prominent institution, was presented before a duty magistrate. The CBI sought a five-day remand but was granted two days to further investigate and apprehend the absconding officer.
The operation was triggered by complaints from individuals who were allegedly coerced into paying the bribes. A well-coordinated trap in Chandigarh led to the associate’s arrest. Despite the officer’s escape, the CBI remains confident of making further progress in the case.
