The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made arrests in connection with a bribery case involving officials of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The arrests include the General Manager, a Manager (Accounts) of FCI, the proprietor of a private company, and a middleman. The allegations involve the securing of a tender related to the transportation of rice grain, with the accused individuals being accused of demanding and accepting bribes for favorable treatment in the tender process.
Allegations and Arrests
The CBI has alleged that the General Manager, Prem Singh Bhanot, aided and favored a private company, SP Traders and Suppliers Pvt Ltd, in connection with the tender for the transportation of rice grain. It is claimed that the accused individuals conspired to secure the tender by demanding bribes, with the General Manager allegedly asking for a bribe of Rs 5 lakh in exchange for favorable treatment. The agency conducted a trap operation, leading to the arrests of the accused individuals while the bribe exchange was taking place.
Legal Proceedings and Seizures
Following the arrests, the accused individuals were produced before the Competent Court at Bhubaneswar and have been remanded to police custody. Additionally, the CBI seized Rs 5 lakh in cash, locker keys, mobiles, laptops, and incriminating documents during searches in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bhubaneswar.