Officials Accused of Demanding ₹1 Lakh for Clearing Pending Bills; Trap Laid After Complaint, Both Arrested.
New Delhi: In a decisive move against corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended a Senior Manager and an Assistant Manager from the Engineering & Management division of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Delhi, for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹40,000. The two officials were arrested after being caught red-handed while taking illegal gratification from a complainant.
Case Based on Complaint; Accused Allegedly Demanded ₹1 Lakh
The investigation began after a formal complaint was lodged on 12 November 2025. According to the complainant, the Assistant Manager demanded a bribe of ₹1 lakh to clear long-pending bills that required departmental approval.
Following discussions, the accused officer allegedly agreed to accept a reduced amount of ₹40,000. On the basis of the complaint and preliminary verification, the CBI swiftly initiated a trap operation.
CBI Trap Operation — Both Officials Arrested While Accepting a Bribe
Acting on the complaint, a CBI team carried out the trap operation on 12 November 2025 and apprehended:
- The Senior Manager, Engineering & Management, ITDC
- The Assistant Manager, Engineering & Management, ITDC
Both officers were caught red-handed while allegedly demanding and receiving undue advantage from the complainant. The agency stated that the officials were acting in concert, indicating possible internal collusion in processing bill clearances.
Both accused officials were taken into custody immediately after the operation.
Investigation Expands — CBI Examining Wider Corruption Links
The CBI has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and may extend to other officials or related processes within ITDC. The agency is examining:
- Whether additional officials were part of the bribery chain
- If similar demands were made on other pending files
- Possible irregularities in earlier payments, project approvals, or tender processes
- Digital evidence, call records, office documents, and financial trails are also being scrutinised as part of the probe.
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CBI Urges Citizens to Report Corruption Without Fear
Alongside details of the arrests, the CBI issued an appeal encouraging citizens to report any bribery demands or corruption they encounter. The agency reiterated that all complaints are treated with strict confidentiality and that the identity of informants is fully protected.
CBI emphasised that citizen participation is crucial in combating corruption and ensuring transparency across public-sector institutions.
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Action Reflects CBI’s Firm Anti-Corruption Stance
Experts believe this operation underscores the CBI’s zero-tolerance approach toward corruption in government-linked organisations. The case is particularly significant because ITDC plays a direct role in public hospitality, tourism services, and government infrastructure management—areas where transparency and accountability are vital.
The CBI’s consistent crackdown aims to:
Strengthen public confidence in government systems
Ensure accountability within administrative departments
Deter public servants from engaging in corrupt activities
Promote transparency in sectors tied to public service and taxpayer funds
As the investigation progresses, further developments in the case are expected, especially regarding the involvement of additional personnel or systemic loopholes exploited by the accused officials.
