CBI Ropes In ED In Probe Into Rs 10 Lakh Bribe Case In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought the assistance of Enforcement Directorate (ED) in investigation into the case of Rs 10 lakh bribe taken by an officer of a Central PSU in Bhubaneswar.

According to sources, the CBI has sought ED assistance as the investigation has revealed irregularities in financial transactions in awarding contracts by Chanchal Mukherjee, Group General Manager (GMM) of Bridge and Roof Company, (India) Limited, a Central PSU.

Earlier, the CBI had also involved the Income Tax department in the investigation into the case. The Central probe agency has taken further five-day remand of Chanchal with permission from the CBI court.

The CBI had arrested three persons, including Chanchal for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10 lakh. The two other arrested persons are Santosh Moharana, director of Penta A Studio Pvt Ltd and Debadutta Mohapatra, a middleman. They were later produced in a Special CBI court here, which allowed the central agency to take them on 3-day remand.

The trio was apprehended during a surprise raid near a star hotel in the city late Saturday evening. They were caught after a bribe of Rs 10 lakh was allegedly paid to Chanchal.

A case was registered on December 7 against the accused on the allegation that the GMM indulged in corrupt and illegal activities while awarding work orders and clearing bills. The director of the private firm had met him on December 6 at his Bhubaneswar office during which the latter had demanded Rs 10 lakh and assured to adjust the amount in future billings.

Accordingly, the trap was laid and the trio was nabbed. The bribe money was also recovered from them.

Also Read: Central PSU Official Among 3 Arrested On Bribery Charges After CBI’s Surprise Raid In Bhubaneswar