In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended two officials from the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh on Tuesday. The arrest was made on charges of purportedly demanding bribes in exchange for reinstating an employee who had been dismissed from their post. The arrested officials have been identified as Sandeep Kumar, a health supervisor in the sanitary department, and Chandramohan, the chief sanitary inspector.
During the operation, the CBI also managed to seize a sum of ₹1 lakh believed to be connected to the alleged bribery. The investigative agency had meticulously laid out a trap following a complaint filed by Jatinder, who was recently removed from his position within the department. It was revealed that Jatinder had sought assistance from Chandramohan in order to secure his job reinstatement. Chandramohan, in turn, directed him to approach Sandeep Kumar.
ALSO READ: Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Limits Officers' Travel Expenses
As the situation progressed, the accused officials reportedly demanded a total of ₹3 lakh from Jatinder in exchange for his reinstatement. Eventually, a compromise was reached, and Jatinder agreed to pay them ₹2 lakh. Sensing an opportunity to apprehend the individuals involved, the CBI provided Jatinder with a marked sum of ₹1 lakh and a concealed recording device. This marked the initiation of a sting operation aimed at exposing the alleged bribery scheme.
With the trap set and evidence in place, the CBI moved swiftly to apprehend the accused officials and recover the marked money. Additionally, searches were conducted at the residences of the suspects located in Sector 20. The seized individuals are scheduled to be presented before the special CBI court in Chandigarh on Wednesday, where further legal proceedings will unfold.
ALSO READ: SFS HELD ITS GBM, Discusses Its Future Agenda, Situation of People and Nation
This incident sheds light on the continuing battle against corruption within government institutions. The use of sting operations and investigative efforts by agencies like the CBI remains crucial in uncovering such unlawful activities. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and accountability in public administration, ensuring that justice prevails and those responsible for malfeasance are brought to book.