CBI summons drivers of a senior Odisha-cadre bureaucrat in bribery case

CBI summons IAS officer's drivers in bribery case involving GGM of BRCI, raising questions about officer's involvement.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly summoned drivers of a senior IAS officer, who is in charge multiple departments, in connection with a bribery case in which Group General Manager (GGM) of Bridge and Roof Corporation of India (BRCI) has been arrested.

Though the exact connection between the IAS officer and bribery case could not be ascertained, it is intriguing that all drivers of vehicles associated with the bureaucrat were required in the investigation. In fact, one driver was asked to be present at the CBI office, Bhubaneswar on Friday (December 13, 2024).

The bribery case pertained to alleged demand of ₹10 lakh by GGM of BRCI. Bribe money was demanded in lieu of awarding work orders, clearing bills and obtaining undue advantage.

In a letter to the IAS officer, CBI inspector Gurjinder Singh on December 10 said: “It is learnt that you are acquainted with some important and relevant facts and circumstances of the instant CBI case, which are required to be ascertained from you.” The officer was summoned to join the investigation at CBI’s Bhubaneswar office on December 11, sources said, adding that the bureaucrat sought more time through his lawyers.

As the officer did not turn up on the date, the agency has asked the State Government to provide a list and details of all drivers who worked under the IAS officer in the last six years.

Meanwhile, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said that the State Government was aware of the CBI’s summon to the IAS officer.

“The state government adopts the policy of zero tolerance towards corruption. If any link is established, strong action will be taken against the officer,” the law minister said.