Bengaluru | January 9: A major corruption scandal has surfaced at the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), one of India’s premier government-run technical testing bodies. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Rajaram Mohanrao Chennu, Joint Director at CPRI, after allegedly catching him red-handed while accepting a bribe of ₹9.5 lakh. Investigators say the bribe was paid to secure favourable test reports for electrical equipment submitted by private firms.
The agency suspects that the accused official manipulated testing and certification processes to clear substandard or non-compliant electrical products, raising serious concerns about public safety, regulatory oversight and the credibility of government laboratories.
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According to CBI officials, the operation was launched following a complaint from a private firm. During preliminary verification, investigators found evidence suggesting that the officer routinely interfered with the testing mechanism and demanded illegal gratification in exchange for issuing “conforming” or “pass” reports, regardless of whether products met mandatory technical standards.
CBI sources said the accused was trapped on January 9, 2026, when he allegedly accepted ₹9.5 lakh from a company representative at a pre-arranged location in Bengaluru. In the same case, Atul Khanna, director of Sudhir Group of Companies, has also been arrested for allegedly offering the bribe.
Following the arrest, the agency conducted extensive searches at Chennu’s residence and other premises. The searches led to the recovery of over ₹3.59 crore in unaccounted cash, apart from foreign currency worth more than ₹4 lakh. Officials said the seized currency included US dollars, euros, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, UAE dirhams, Chinese yuan, Swedish krona, Malaysian ringgit and Indonesian rupiah.
A CBI spokesperson said that the total recovery, including foreign currency, has touched ₹3.76 crore so far, and search operations are continuing at additional locations. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused official had been engaged in corrupt practices for an extended period, systematically abusing his official position to benefit select private companies.
Investigators are now examining whether the case is part of a larger organised racket involving multiple firms, middlemen and possibly other officials within or outside CPRI. The agency is scrutinising past test reports issued under the officer’s supervision to assess whether compromised clearances were routinely granted.
CPRI plays a crucial role in testing, certification and research related to power sector equipment, including transformers, cables, switchgear and other critical electrical components. Any compromise in testing standards, officials noted, can have far-reaching consequences, including safety hazards, infrastructure failures and financial losses.
CBI sources said the probe will also cover the accused’s bank accounts, movable and immovable assets, call records and financial transactions, along with communication with company executives. The agency is trying to identify other beneficiaries and facilitators linked to the alleged bribery network.
The case has once again brought focus on the need for stronger internal vigilance mechanisms within government laboratories and regulatory institutions. Experts point out that technical certification bodies form the backbone of quality control in critical sectors and must function with the highest levels of transparency and accountability.
The CBI has confirmed that the case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, along with other applicable sections of law. Officials said strict legal action would be taken against all those found involved, irrespective of rank or position.
The agency has indicated that the scope of the investigation may widen in the coming days, with the possibility of further arrests as evidence is analysed and financial trails are traced.
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.
