CBI nabs FCI official,accomplice for graft

The CBI arrested an employee of the Food Corporation of India and a private beneficiary after they were allegedly caught red-handed accepting a bribe.

The CBIs anti-corruption branch arrested an employee of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and a private beneficiary on Tuesday after they were allegedly caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 80,000 from a rice seller.

Vishav Kumar,the victim,had alleged that Devinder Kumar,a third tier technical assistant working at FCI in Malout,had demanded a bribe to allow him sell rice in the market.

According to the CBI,two trucks loaded with rice had been stopped by Devinder Kumar,who allegedly wanted a bribe from the victim.

After the rice seller complained to the CBI,a trap was laid to catch the accused at the FCI depot in Malout. When Devinder Kumar reached the spot to allegedly collect the bribe money,the CBI arrested him along with another private beneficiary,Rameshwar,who was accompanying him. According to the CBI,Rameshwar was an employee working for one of the state procurement agencies associated with FCI. Both the accused as well as the victim,are residents of Malout,Punjab.

The CBI said searches at the Devinders residence had led to seizure of Rs 20 lakh and incriminating documents.

During the search conducted,the agency found around Rs 20 lakh cash hidden in a wooden box on top of which a sewing machine was placed, said Vineet Brijlal,SP,Anti Corruption Branch,CBI. Some incriminating documents were also found from the residence of Kumar,which are currently under scrutiny, he added.

The CBI is also investigating if other FCI employees had any role to play in the case. The accused will be presented in court on Wednesday. The CBI is looking to receive an extended custody for further interrogation.

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