CBI arrested father-son duo as 'middlemen' in Rs 25L bribery case linked to Punjab Vigilance Bureau

CHANDIGARH: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) late on Monday night arrested a father-son duo acting as middlemen in connection with an alleged Rs 25 lakh bribery case involving the Punjab Vigilance Bureau.

Both accused are expected to be produced before the special CBI court in Chandigarh on Tuesday for further police remand. The name of O P Rana, reader to the Punjab Vigilance chief, has also surfaced in the case. Following the arrests, CBI officials raided the Vigilance Bureau headquarters in Mohali and seized documents for examination.

According to information, the CBI laid a trap at a five-star hotel in Chandigarh and caught alleged middleman Raghav Goel red-handed. His father was also taken into custody during the operation. Around Rs 13 lakh in cash, believed to be bribe money, was recovered.

It is alleged that the money was being exchanged for providing relief in a case and using influence. The CBI is now investigating on whose instructions the alleged bribery deal was being carried out and how many people were involved.

After questioning the accused middlemen, the CBI team reached the Punjab Vigilance Bureau headquarters in Mohali late on Monday night. The agency conducted searches for several hours and examined the office of the official concerned.

During the investigation, the CBI seized several important documents, digital records and other materials. The agency also sealed the suspected official’s office. The late-night operation created chaos at the vigilance headquarters.

Inspector O P Rana, reader to the vigilance director, allegedly managed to flee from the spot. The CBI has registered a case against Rana and others under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.