IT News/Agency
Imphal, Jan 16:
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against a former deputy secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) and six former Prasar Bharati officials over alleged corruption. The case, referred by the Lokpal, follows a complaint filed last year, according to a PTI report on Wednesday.
The accused include a former Additional Director General (Engineering), an ADG (Engineering-Headquarters), and two assistant engineers each from Doordarshan Kendra-Bhubaneswar and DD News-Delhi. As per the Lokpal’s directive, the identities of the accused and specific allegations remain confidential.
The FIR, filed under Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with criminal conspiracy, and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, was based on a Lokpal order dated December 20, 2024. The order highlighted concerns about alleged bribes paid for promotions of diploma-holder Assistant Engineers (AEs) to Assistant Divisional Engineers (ADEs). One specific allegation involved Rs. 30 lakhs being paid as a bribe, which the Lokpal noted was not investigated during the Preliminary Inquiry. The oversight was described as a “blatant default” that required further scrutiny.
After reviewing the Preliminary Inquiry Report, submissions, and supporting documents, the Lokpal directed the CBI to conduct a deeper investigation under Section 20(3) of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. The probe will address both the specific bribery allegations and procedural lapses in the earlier inquiry.
The Lokpal mandated the CBI to complete its investigation within 90 days from the receipt of the order. This case reflects ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in public service, particularly in addressing corruption allegations.