A Central Bureau of Investigation officer who was dismissed after being arrested in a ₹50 lakh bribery case in 2017 has been reinstated and posted to the agency’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Madurai while his graft trial continues.
Former deputy superintendent of police Neeraj Agarwal informed a special CBI court on Friday that the agency reinstated him on September 29 following relief granted by the Delhi High Court.
Agarwal sought permission to place his reinstatement order and joining report on record. Special Judge Subhash K Karhale allowed the request, observing that the documents were relevant to the proceedings.
FCRF’s Chief AI Officer Certification Returns on November 14 to Prepare Future AI Leaders
₹50 Lakh Bribery Case Dates Back to 2017
The case arose in April 2017 after retired Bank of Baroda head cashier Pradip Shah complained that Agarwal, then posted with the CBI’s Bank Securities and Fraud Cell in Mumbai, had allegedly demanded money to settle a case against him.
According to the complaint, the alleged demand of ₹50 lakh was later negotiated down to ₹35 lakh.
A person identified as Tiwari allegedly posed as an income-tax officer and was also involved in the purported demand.
The CBI’s verification reportedly found that Tiwari was neither an income-tax official nor associated with the agency. The CBI subsequently booked Agarwal on allegations of bribery and criminal conspiracy.
Dismissal Challenged Before Tribunal and High Court
Agarwal was arrested in April 2017 and dismissed from service in June 2018 without a regular departmental inquiry.
He challenged the dismissal before the Central Administrative Tribunal, but the tribunal rejected his plea in December 2022.
In December 2025, the Delhi High Court set aside both the dismissal order and the tribunal’s decision and directed the authorities to reinstate Agarwal.
The High Court, however, permitted the authorities to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him in accordance with law.
Supreme Court Rejects Centre’s Challenge
The Centre subsequently challenged the Delhi High Court ruling before the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court dismissed the Centre’s plea, leaving the High Court’s direction for Agarwal’s reinstatement in place.
Following the court proceedings, Agarwal was reinstated on September 29 and posted to the CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch in Madurai.
His criminal trial in the bribery case continues.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
