Lucknow: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against Section Officer Avinash Tambe, posted at the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) in Lucknow, and his wife Pranali Tambe, for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to their known income. Preliminary findings indicate that Avinash Tambe accumulated wealth far exceeding his legitimate earnings and colluded with suppliers to gain financial benefits.
According to the CBI, a confidential preliminary investigation revealed that between 1 September 2022 and 30 April 2023, Avinash Tambe and his wife acquired assets worth ₹25.84 lakh, while his total legal income during the same period was only ₹7.69 lakh. This indicated undisclosed assets of approximately ₹13.85 lakh. During this period, they reportedly spent ₹2.56 lakh on personal maintenance.
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The investigation further revealed that Avinash Tambe, who oversaw procurement and sales at IITR, allegedly colluded with suppliers such as RNA Technology, ND Enterprises, Vision Diagnostics India Pvt Ltd, and Shipra Scientific. The officers reportedly manipulated purchases to pay inflated prices and secure commissions. The CBI also recovered numerous WhatsApp messages connected to these transactions.
The case against Avinash Tambe was formally registered on 23 July 2024, following which he was suspended. Documents obtained by investigators indicate that Tambe engaged in irregularities in procurement processes, benefiting personally through supplier collusion.
CBI sources stated that the investigation is being expanded to include a detailed review of all financial documents, transactions, bank accounts, property registrations, and company records related to the case.
Experts note that accumulation of disproportionate assets by government officials and their family members is a serious offence and undermines institutional integrity. Renowned cyber and economic crime expert Prof. Triveni Singh commented, “Such cases highlight the critical need for transparency in assets and financial transactions across all government departments. Any delay or negligence increases the risk of corruption.”
The CBI is working to identify all culpable parties and prepare for appropriate legal action. Future proceedings against Avinash and Pranali Tambe will include charges related to collusion with suppliers and accumulation of assets beyond legal income.
In the next phase, the CBI has directed its team to scrutinize every financial transaction in detail and take immediate action wherever irregularities are discovered. This will clarify the case and serve as a warning for other government officials.
This case underlines that even prestigious institutions like IITR are not immune to corruption or financial irregularities. Maintaining honesty and transparency in public institutions remains crucial, and the vigilance of investigative agencies plays a key role in enforcing accountability.
