Railway Bribery Bust: CBI Nabs Officials Over ₹30,000 Demand from Mumbai Businessman

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three individuals, including two railway officials, in connection with a bribery case involving a demand of ₹30,000 from a Mumbai businessman. The complaint originated from the promoter of a firm that supplies pharmacy and medical products.

 Details of the Case

The two railway officials, stationed at the Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly solicited the bribe to facilitate the clearance of products related to a railway purchase order. The businessman had been in contact with them since June, during which he was pressured to pay the bribe in exchange for product approval.

Unwilling to comply with the demand, the businessman reported the incident to the CBI’s anti-corruption branch, prompting an investigation.

 The Arrest and Investigation

In a coordinated effort, the CBI set up a trap where the complainant transferred the ₹30,000 bribe as instructed by the officials, using an online payment method. Following this, the CBI arrested the three individuals in Raebareli. Those arrested include Ranjeet, chief depot material superintendent, Arvind, ward officer, and Rinku Kumar, a private individual involved in the transaction.

Both railway officials reportedly acknowledged receiving the bribe amount. After their arrest, the trio was presented in court, where they received a transit remand before being taken to a Special CBI Court in Mumbai. They have been remanded to police custody until Friday.

Evidence and Further Actions

As part of the investigation, the CBI conducted searches at the residential and official premises of the accused in Raebareli, uncovering incriminating documents that may further substantiate the bribery allegations.

The agency had registered the case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act, addressing issues of criminal conspiracy and undue advantage demanded by public servants.

The businessman’s complaint highlighted a troubling pattern of extortion, where he received multiple calls from the accused officials demanding bribes to approve safety goggles and spectacles supplied to the MCF. Following the refusal to pay, he faced a letter of rejection for one of his items, illustrating the consequences of his decision to report the bribery attempt.

The CBI’s actions signal a robust approach to tackling corruption within public sectors, aiming to restore integrity in government operations.