CBI Arrests NHAI Manager and Three Others in Major Bribery Case

The CBI has arrested NHAI’s general manager Ram Prit Paswan and three others for a Rs 15 lakh bribery case. The accused solicited bribes to favor contract processes for a private construction company. Extensive searches recovered approximately Rs 1.18 crore in cash and incriminating evidence across multiple locations.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a manager from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and three individuals from a private company, implicated in a bribery case amounting to Rs 15 lakh. Ram Prit Paswan, the NHAI general manager, purportedly solicited the bribe to offer favorable processing and approval of bills associated with NHAI contracts, according to CBI reports.

In addition to Paswan, Suresh Mahapatra, the general manager of Ram Kripal Singh Construction Pvt. Ltd, was arrested for allegedly providing the bribe. Two employees from the private company, Barun Kumar and Chetan Kumar, were also taken into custody during the operation.

Furthermore, the CBI has filed an FIR naming additional NHAI officials, including YB Singh, Chief General Manager, and several other managers and engineers linked to the case. The inquiry indicates that these public servants colluded with representatives from the private firm, facilitating unauthorized advantages in contract processes for illegal compensation.

Following the arrests, extensive searches were conducted, uncovering approximately Rs 1.18 crore in cash and various incriminating documents and digital devices across multiple locations, including Patna and Varanasi. The CBI executed a raid at the site where the bribe was exchanged, capturing both parties involved immediately after the transaction.

The recent CBI arrests highlight the ongoing corruption issues within the National Highways Authority of India and the construction sector. The coordinated efforts of law enforcement aim to address bribery, as evidenced by significant evidence recovered during the investigation. Such actions reflect a commitment to improving procurement integrity in public services.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com