CBI arrests three in Rs 20 lakh Punjab Vigilance bribery case; Reader to DG absconding
PTC News Desk: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three persons, including two private middlemen and an associate, in connection with a Rs 20 lakh bribery case linked to officials posted in the Punjab Vigilance Bureau.
According to an official CBI press release issued on May 12, the case was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by a Punjab State Tax Officer. The complainant alleged that the accused, identified as Vikas alias Vicky Goyal and his son Raghav Goyal, demanded illegal gratification of Rs 20 lakh for securing closure of a complaint pending against him in the office of the Director General (Vigilance), Punjab.
The agency said the accused acted as intermediaries for senior vigilance officials, including the Reader to the DG Vigilance, Punjab. The complainant was allegedly assured that the matter would be settled once the bribe amount was paid.
During verification, the allegations regarding demand of bribe were found to be substantiated. The accused later negotiated and reduced the demand from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 13 lakh along with a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 mobile phone for OP Rana, Reader to the DG Vigilance.
The CBI conducted a trap operation in Chandigarh on May 11 during which Ankit Wadhwa, an associate of the accused, was allegedly caught while accepting a bribe amount of Rs 13 lakh and the mobile phone from the complainant on behalf of the accused persons. The agency said the cash and the phone were recovered during the operation.
The CBI further stated that Vikas, alias Vicky Goyal, and public servant OP Rana attempted to flee after being alerted by gunmen present near the spot for surveillance. After a chase, Vikas Goyal, along with two gunmen, was apprehended near Ambala at the Punjab-Haryana border. However, OP Rana is currently absconding and efforts are underway to arrest him.
Investigators said prima facie evidence indicates active involvement of OP Rana in the conspiracy.
Searches conducted at the residential premises of Raghav Goyal in Malout and OP Rana in Chandigarh led to the recovery of Rs 9 lakh cash and several incriminating documents, the CBI said.
The investigation has also revealed alleged exchange of sensitive information related to pending vigilance matters between OP Rana and the private accused persons. The agency is probing a larger conspiracy, including possible illegal gratification transactions and involvement of other individuals.
The role of Punjab Police gunmen carrying AK-47 rifles, who were allegedly attached to the private accused persons, is also under investigation.
All accused will be produced before the designated court in Chandigarh. Further investigation in the case is underway.
- PTC NEWS
