CBI arrests IPS officer in fake drugs case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday arrested Deepak Gahlawat, a 2012-batch IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, in connection with an alleged bribery case tied to its investigation into a large-scale counterfeit medicines racket in Puducherry. The racket involves the large-scale manufacturing and distribution of spurious medicines. The officer, currently posted on Central deputation with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) in Delhi, where he serves as Regional Director, was taken into custody for demanding a bribe of Rs 3 crore.

According to the agency, Gahlawat allegedly promised to use his personal influence and connections within the agency to secure relief or a favourable outcome for the prime accused in the probe identified as N Raja alias Valliappan alias Rajasekhar. Gahlawat had already accepted an advance of Rs 1 crore, the CBI alleges, arranged through a hawala transaction, from the businessman facing charges in the racket.

The CBI probe into the matter gained momentum after local police investigations were transferred to the agency. After identifying Gahlawat’s alleged role, the CBI summoned the officer for questioning on multiple occasions. Searches were carried out at premises linked to him, during which digital devices, hard disks, and documents were seized.

The CBI has described the bribery attempt as an effort to interfere with its investigation into the counterfeit drug racket.

Officials said further investigation is underway to establish the full chain of the conspiracy and the roles of all involved persons. The arrested IPS officer is expected to be produced before a competent court soon. The agency is continuing its probe into the larger conspiracy surrounding the Puducherry case and related bribery attempts.