The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three officials from the Assistant Drugs Controller (India) office in Panvel, Maharashtra, in connection with a bribery case. The crackdown followed concerns about widespread corruption within the Panvel office of the Assistant Drugs Controller, which operates under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
During a surprise check conducted jointly by the CBI and the vigilance department on April 2, it was revealed that several private individuals were collecting bribes from Customs House Agents (CHAs) on behalf of the implicated officials in exchange for facilitating no-objection certificates (NOCs) for their clients.
Cash amounting to approximately Rs 1.52 lakh was recovered from the drawers of public servants and private individuals during the surprise check. The cash, which was allegedly accepted as bribes by public officials, was procured from CHAs or their representatives, either directly or through intermediaries, in exchange for NOCs.
Following the recovery of unexplained cash, the three officials were arrested. Subsequent searches at their residences led to the seizure of cash worth Rs 46.70 lakh, jewelry valued at around Rs 27.80 lakh, and relevant documents related to various immovable assets and other incriminating evidence.
The arrested officials include the Assistant Drugs Controller, a Drug Inspector, and a subordinate staff member of CDSCO. Additionally, three private individuals, including one working on a contractual basis, were also booked by the CBI in connection with the case.
The three public servants have been remanded in police custody until April 8.
