CBI arrests MIB accounts officer in alleged Rs 10 lakh bribery case

MUMBAI: A file meant to move faster allegedly came with a price tag of Rs 15 lakh. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a Deputy Controller of Accounts serving as Internal Financial Advisor (IFA) in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in an alleged bribery case.

According to a CBI statement dated 19 August, the agency registered a case on 18 August following a complaint alleging that the officer, an Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) 2020 officer, had demanded an undue advantage of Rs 15 lakh from the complainant to expedite the processing of a file.

The file related to the renewal of a private company’s contract and was pending before the accused officer. Following negotiations, the officer allegedly agreed to accept Rs 10 lakh to speed up the renewal process.

The CBI then laid a trap on 18 August and allegedly caught the public servant accepting the Rs 10 lakh bribe through his wife, the agency said. The officer was subsequently apprehended.

The agency has begun further investigation into the matter. The CBI has not disclosed further details about the private company or the specific contract involved.

The action comes as the agency continues to pursue alleged bribery and corruption involving public servants. The CBI said its action underscores its commitment to curbing corruption and urged citizens to report instances of corruption or demands for bribes by public officials.