Corruption
Bank of India Official Caught Red-Handed Taking Bribe, Arrested by CBI
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Credit Officer from the Bank of India’s Shahabad Branch in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000. The officer was caught red-handed while taking the bribe from a complainant who had applied for a business loan.
According to the CBI, the case was registered on February 28, 2025, after the complainant reported that the accused officer had demanded a 10% bribe on a loan sanctioned under the Chief Minister Youth Employment Scheme. The complainant had applied for a loan of Rs 5 lakh in his wife’s name to set up a beauty parlour. However, the accused officer allegedly refused to process the application unless a bribe of Rs 50,000 was paid. He also threatened to reject the loan if the complainant failed to meet his demand.
Nominations are open for Honouring Women in Cyberspace on International Women’s Day 2025- Nominate Now!
Following the complaint, the CBI set up a trap operation to catch the corrupt official in the act. The officer was arrested while accepting Rs 10,000, an amount negotiated from his initial demand. He was taken into custody and will be presented before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, CBI Court No. 5, Lucknow.
The investigation is ongoing to uncover further details regarding the accused officer’s activities. The case highlights the persistent issue of corruption in public sector banks, particularly in government-backed financial schemes designed to promote employment and entrepreneurship.
The CBI has urged the public to report any instances of bribery or corruption, assuring swift action against offenders. This arrest serves as a warning against misuse of power by banking officials involved in loan approvals and other financial transactions. Further legal proceedings will determine the extent of the officer’s involvement and any potential network of corruption within the branch.