New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) A senior executive of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s (IRCTC) West Zone office in Mumbai and the director of a Kolkata-based private company have been arrested by the CBI in connection with a bribery case involving an amount of around Rs 4 lakh, officials said on Thursday.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said it registered the case against the two accused on July 22 on allegations that the IRCTC official, “in conspiracy with the accused private person and others, was involved in obtaining undue advantage as a reward for improper and dishonest discharge of official duties”.
According to a statement issued by the federal agency, the IRCTC official allegedly accepted Rs 1,98,500 on April 21
and Rs 2 lakh on June 8, and the money was deposited in cash into his Punjab National Bank account “in lieu of helping/facilitating the passing of pending bills submitted by Araha Hospitality Pvt. Ltd”.
On both occasions, the cash was allegedly deposited by an associate of the private firm’s director.
The CBI said both the accused were confronted at the IRCTC’s West Zone office in Mumbai on July 22 regarding the alleged demand and acceptance of Rs 3,98,500 as undue advantage.
“The accused director of the private company was found in possession of a bag containing cash amounting to Rs 4,49,500 and Rs 13,200,” the statement said.
The agency said incriminating WhatsApp chats were also found on the mobile phones of the accused.
“The cash recovered was taken into CBI possession, and the mobile phones of both the accused were seized and sealed. Relevant files and bills submitted by Araha Hospitality Pvt. Ltd were also seized,” it said.
Searches were conducted at the residences of both the accused, during which “incriminating documents were seized”, the statement said.
Both the accused were arrested on July 22 and produced before a special court, which remanded them to the CBI’s custody till July 27, the statement added. PTI MHS RC
