CBI Exposes ₹2.5 Crore Bribery Scandal Involving Senior ED Officer and Associate

In a shocking revelation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has unearthed a major bribery racket involving a senior Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer stationed in Shimla and his brother, who acted as his associate. The investigation began after a formal complaint was lodged at the CBI office in Chandigarh, pointing to alleged corruption amounting to ₹2.5 crore.

According to sources, the ED officer allegedly demanded bribes from two individuals under scrutiny for money laundering. The officer reportedly summoned them to the ED office in Shimla and used threats of arrest to extort ₹1.5 crore and ₹1 crore, respectively. His brother is said to have facilitated the monetary transactions.

Acting on the complaint, a CBI team launched an investigation in Shimla but hit a roadblock when the accused officer went into hiding and switched off his phone. Meanwhile, his associate was caught in Chandigarh, attempting to escape in a vehicle loaded with ₹54 lakh in cash.

Further raids on the associate’s residence uncovered an additional ₹60 lakh, while searches at the ED office in Shimla led to the seizure of critical documents tied to the bribery case. The associate, who holds a senior position in a reputed institution, was produced before a duty magistrate. Although the CBI requested a five-day remand, they were granted two days to dig deeper and locate the missing officer.

The CBI’s investigation was prompted by complaints from victims who claimed they were forced to pay hefty bribes under duress. A well-coordinated operation in Chandigarh led to the associate’s capture. Despite the absconding officer’s temporary evasion, the CBI remains confident of making significant progress in bringing all culprits to justice.

This case has raised serious concerns about corruption within enforcement agencies and underlines the need for stringent oversight mechanisms.