CBI arrests six, including NHAI Officials, in bribery case

In a recent development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended six individuals, including two NHAI officers, in connection with an alleged bribery case. Among the arrested are the General Manager and Project Director of NHAI, PIU, Nagpur, identified as the recipient of the bribe, and the Deputy General Manager and Project Director of NHAI Harda (MP), along with two directors and two employees.

The accused, associated with a private company, face charges related to a ₹20 lakh bribery case. The CBI has successfully recovered/seized ₹1.10 crore, including the alleged bribe amount.

The CBI initiated a case against four NHAI public servants, a Bhopal-based private company, five private individuals (including directors and employees), and others unknown. The allegations involve directors of the private company allegedly bribing NHAI public servants through their employees for various services, including issuance of completion certificates, bill processing, and smooth progress in road projects awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The investigation revealed regular contact between an employee of the private company and the General Manager and Project Director of NHAI, PIU, Nagpur, concerning matters like processing pending bills and issuing completion certificates for the Outer Ring Road Project, allegedly in exchange for bribes.

The CBI alleges that the private company’s employees delivered bribes to public servants in Nagpur and various locations in Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, there are allegations of a ₹25 lakh bribe intended for the General Manager and Project Director, NHAI, PIU, Nagpur.

Searches are currently underway at the accused’s offices and residences in Nagpur, Bhopal, and Harda. The CBI has seized ₹1.10 crore, including the trap money, along with incriminating documents and digital devices during the searches. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.