Orai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has busted an alleged bribery racket linked to contractual recruitment in the railway TRD (Traction Distribution) department, arresting three officials including a Divisional Electrical Engineer (DEE) during late-night raids in Orai and Chitrakoot. The action has triggered a stir in the department, with further questioning underway to identify other beneficiaries and candidates involved.
According to officials, the CBI Lucknow team conducted coordinated searches under the supervision of an inspector-rank officer after receiving inputs that money was being demanded from candidates in exchange for securing contractual appointments. During the operation, DEE Shantanu Yadav and technician Prakash Kushwaha were apprehended from Chitrakoot, while Senior Section Engineer (SSE) B.S. Pal was caught red-handed allegedly accepting cash from an individual seeking recruitment.
Sources said one accused was picked up from Orai and two from Chitrakoot. The raids were carried out late at night to prevent destruction of evidence and to catch the suspects in the act. Documents, electronic devices and cash related to the recruitment process were seized and are being examined for evidence of a wider conspiracy.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Allegations of Cash-for-Contract Appointments
Investigators believe the racket involved collecting bribes from candidates in return for facilitating contractual placements in the TRD unit. The probe is focusing on identifying how many recruitments were influenced, the total amount of money exchanged and whether middlemen were used to approach applicants.
The arrests have caused anxiety within the railway division, with officials maintaining that departmental procedures will be reviewed to prevent such irregularities. The CBI is also scrutinising communication records, bank transactions and recruitment files to establish the flow of funds and the role of each accused.
Departmental Impact and Ongoing Probe
Officials indicated that more arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. Candidates who may have paid money are also likely to be questioned to determine the scale of the alleged bribery network.
The agency reiterated that any recruitment process must remain transparent and merit-based, warning that strict action will be taken against those involved in corrupt practices. Further legal proceedings are expected after the interrogation of the arrested officials and forensic examination of seized materials.
