CBI arrests DRM/Waltair while accepting bribe of ₹25 lakh from an proprietor of a private firm

Mumbai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (#CBI) arrested accused DRM #SaurabhPrasad (#IRSME : 1991) of East Coast Railway, Waltair Division, Visakhapatnam while accepting bribe of ₹25 lakh from an accused who is proprietor of a Mumabi based private firm. Accused proprietor of Pune based another private firm was also arrested on Saturday, 16th November, 2024.

During on-going searches, CBI has so far recovered a cash of ₹87.6 lakh (approx.) along with jewellery worth about ₹72 lakh, property documents, locker keys etc.

The said bribe was allegedly paid as a reward for reducing penalty imposed on an accused Private Ltd. Firm for under performance in contracts awarded by East Coast Railway, which was being executed by the said two proprietors of Mumbai and Pune based private firms.

CBI registered a case against accused including DRM/Waltair Saurabh Prasad (IRSME : 1991), of East Coast Railway, #WaltairDivision, Visakhapatnam, aforesaid two proprietors of two different private persons and others on allegations of #criminal conspiracy and indulging in #corrupt practices.

It was also alleged that Bills amounting to ₹3.17 Crores raised by a private company were pending with the East Coast Railway, Visakhapatnam. However, because of delays in execution of the #contract awarded, the said company faced imposition of hefty penalty. To evade paying such heavy penalty, two accused proprietors of Mumbai and Pune based private firms allegedly approached accused #DRM who demanded bribe of ₹25 lackh to get the penalty amount reduced.

It was also alleged that after intervention of accused DRM in the matter, a reduced penalty was imposed and bill of private company was cleared. Pursuant to clearance of bill, said accused proprietor of Mumbai based private firm arranged to pay the agreed bribe of ₹25 lakh to accused DRM during his visit to Mumbai on 16.11.2024.

CBI laid a trap and caught accused DRM and accused proprietor of Mumbai based private firm during exchange of undue advantage of ₹25 Lakh.

Searches were conducted at the premises of accused which led to recovery ₹87.60 lacs in Indian and Foreign Currency from premises of accused DRM at Visakhapatnam, apart recovery of Jewellery valued at about #72 lakh and several incriminating documents including investments made in a flat at Kalyan, locker key and bank balances of accused public servant . Investigation is continuing.