CBI arrests Delhi cop in Rs 3-crore bribery case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Delhi Police Crime Branch Inspector Pradeep Singh for allegedly demanding Rs 3 crore in connection with its probe against a Puducherry-based businessman accused of a fake drug manufacturing racket.

A middleman, Rajkumar, was also taken into custody after the CBI laid a trap on Monday evening and recovered Rs 24.70 lakh in cash from the duo. The agency has registered a case against Inspector Singh, Rajkumar, the businessman N. Raja (alias Valliappan) and “unknown public servants and private persons” under Sections 7, 13(1)(d) read with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.

The charges pertain to the demand and acceptance of illegal gratification to secure undue favour in the CBI investigation. Singh allegedly used his position and connections to offer to derail or dilute the case.

Inspector Singh allegedly used his position and connections to offer to derail or dilute the case. During a meeting arranged by the middleman, a senior public servant, understood to be a regional director of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), promised the businessman “favourable investigation” in exchange for the bribe, with Rs 1.5 crore demanded upfront. This made the DGCA official’s alleged role central to the probe, and part of the amount was allegedly routed through hawala channels, officials said.

“The arrested persons were caught red-handed while accepting the first instalment of the bribe. Further investigations are on to uncover the full conspiracy and identify other beneficiaries, including the senior public servant whose role is under active scanner in the case,” a CBI spokesperson said.

The case has sent ripples through both the Delhi Police and civil aviation circles, with senior officials confirming that the probe will be taken to its logical conclusion irrespective of the ranks involved. Singh and Rajkumar have been produced before a special CBI court and remanded in judicial custody. The agency is expected to file a chargesheet within the stipulated period after completing searches and recording witnesses’ statements.

This is the second arrest of a Delhi Police Inspector by the CBI in quick succession. Earlier, the CBI had arrested Inspector Subhash Yadav, posted with the Anti-Narcotics cell of Dwarka district, for demanding and accepting a bribe. Inspector Yadav is accused of running an organised extortion racket. The CBI probe has uncovered large sums of cash, hidden assets, and a Rs 100-crore money trail, far more than an inspector could earn.