The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday unearthed a major bribery network linked to railway construction projects after conducting simultaneous raids at more than a dozen locations in Patna and adjoining areas. During the operation, the agency seized ₹45 lakh in cash. Four senior officials of a private construction firm were arrested, while 11 individuals, including the Chief Engineer of the East Central Railway’s construction wing, have been named as accused in the case.
According to the CBI, those arrested include Anup Singh, Managing Director of HG Infra Engineering Limited, Assistant General Manager Gaurav Kushwaha, accountant Akash Patra, and Dheeraj Virmani. All four were produced before the CBI special court in Patna late in the evening, where a special judge granted the agency seven days of custodial remand. The CBI will conduct detailed custodial interrogation during this period.
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Alleged bribery for bill clearance
The investigation agency has alleged that bribes running into lakhs of rupees were paid to railway officials in exchange for approval and clearance of bills related to construction works. The CBI said it had been receiving complaints for a considerable period regarding irregularities, inflated bills and illegal payments in railway infrastructure projects.
Based on sustained intelligence inputs and verification, the agency initiated action against what it believes was an organised and systematic bribery mechanism operating within the railway construction setup.
Sources said that officials posted in the railway construction office allegedly worked in collusion with private contractors to facilitate payments, ignore technical objections and expedite bill approvals in return for illegal gratification.
CBI team stationed at Mahendrughat office
CBI sources revealed that a team had been discreetly monitoring the East Central Railway construction office at Mahendrughat in Patna since Wednesday. After confirming the movement of money and coordination between private company representatives and railway officials, the agency launched coordinated raids on Thursday.
During the operation, Anup Singh and his associates were allegedly caught with the bribe money. This was followed by searches at multiple premises in Patna, Dehri-on-Sone and other locations connected to the accused.
Apart from cash, the agency seized several incriminating documents, mobile phones, digital storage devices and financial records. These materials are being examined to trace the money trail and establish the extent of the alleged corruption.
Chief Engineer among 11 named accused
The CBI has named Chief Engineer Anil Kumar of the East Central Railway construction department as one of the accused, along with 10 others. Several railway officials and employees were questioned following the raids.
CBI officials indicated that more railway personnel could come under scrutiny as the investigation progresses. The agency is examining the role of each official involved in the processing, approval and release of payments.
Probe entrusted to DSP-rank officer
The investigation has been entrusted to a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the CBI’s Patna unit. The agency is seeking to determine how long the bribery network had been operating, the total amount of illegal transactions involved, and whether similar practices were followed in other railway projects.
Officials said the agency is also scrutinising contracts awarded to private firms, internal communications, and financial transactions to identify additional beneficiaries and facilitators.
More arrests likely
CBI officials have indicated that further arrests cannot be ruled out, depending on the outcome of custodial interrogation and analysis of seized evidence. The agency said its focus is on dismantling the entire network and ensuring transparency in railway infrastructure projects.
The crackdown is being described as one of the most significant anti-corruption actions in recent years involving railway construction works. The case has once again brought into sharp focus allegations of corruption in public infrastructure projects and the nexus between private contractors and government officials.
As the investigation unfolds, the case is expected to have wider ramifications for contract management and oversight mechanisms within the railways.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
