Shahabad: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Shobhit Srivastava, the credit manager of Bank of India’s Chowk branch, while he was accepting a bribe on Friday night. The anti-corruption team caught him red-handed inside the bank while taking ₹10,000 from a loan applicant’s representative.
Bribe Demanded for Loan Disbursement
The case revolves around Upasana Verma, wife of Ramesh Verma, a former Bank Mitra of Bank of India. She had applied for a ₹5 lakh loan under the Chief Minister’s Youth Self-Employment Scheme to open a beauty parlor. While her loan application was approved, credit manager Shobhit Srivastava demanded a 10% commission to process the payment.
After several negotiations, it was agreed that an advance bribe of ₹10,000 would be paid. Ramesh Verma filed a complaint with the CBI’s anti-corruption wing, following which a trap was set. On Friday evening, as soon as Ramesh Verma handed over the bribe inside the bank, CBI officials caught the credit manager red-handed.
Eight-Hour Investigation at the Bank
Following the arrest, the CBI team locked the bank premises and conducted an eight-hour-long investigation. They thoroughly checked the loan files and questioned the bank staff. Even the media was not allowed inside the premises during the operation.
Hearing about the incident, Bank of India’s Lead District Manager (LDM) arrived at the bank but left after some time. Later, the CBI team took Shobhit Srivastava to Lucknow, where he was presented in court on Saturday.
CBI Searches Accused’s Residence
As part of the investigation, CBI officials, along with two female police constables and a bank guard, searched the accused’s residence at City Park in Shahjahanpur. The team examined all items inside the house and questioned his wife for three hours.
Bank Confirms Loan Approval but No Payment
Meanwhile, Shashi Mohan Kumar, branch manager of Bank of India, clarified that Ramesh Verma was previously a Bank Mitra running a BC Point in Kudra Saraiya village. However, his license was canceled two years ago due to complaints of irregularities.
He confirmed that Upasana Verma’s loan had been approved, but the payment was yet to be processed. The case is now under CBI investigation.
