Crackdown on Corruption: CBI Nabs Two Railway Officials For Demanding Bribe of Rs 30,000 Through UPI

New Delhi: Two railway officials have been arrested for demanding a bribe of Rs 30,000 through UPI from a complainant, said Central Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday. 

According to CBI, the Chief Depot Material Superintendent (CDMS), and Ward Officer posted at Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli have been arrested. 

“They were demanding a bribe from the promoter of a Mumbai-based company, in exchange for clearing consignments supplied by his firm,” according to a CBI press release.

CBI Laid Trap To Nab Two Accused Officials

The CBI has registered a case against three individuals, including the Chief Depot Manager (CDMS) and the Ward Officer of the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli, along with a private individual. The allegations state that officials from the factory demanded a bribe to approve safety spectacles supplied by a trading firm owned by the complainant, based in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, in response to an online tender issued by the factory.

The complainant had already sent a bulk supply of these items according to the purchase order. It is further alleged that he received multiple phone calls from the accused public servants, repeatedly asking for a bribe in exchange for approving his materials. After ignoring their demands, the complainant received a rejection letter for one of the items on August 28, 2024.

Complainant Paid Rs 30,000

Following this, the complainant continued to receive calls from the accused, insisting on a bribe for the approval of his supplied items. The CBI set up a trap, during which the complainant transferred Rs 30,000 via payment app to a private individual's account as instructed by the public servants. Both officials confirmed the receipt of the bribe.

As a result, the CBI arrested all three accused in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, and they were presented in court, where a transit remand was granted. They were later brought before the Special CBI Court in Mumbai and remanded to police custody until October 11, 2024. The CBI also conducted searches at the residences and offices of the accused in Raebareli, uncovering incriminating documents. The investigation is ongoing, an official statement said.