New Delhi: A Delhi police personnel and his associate have been arrested for allegedly demanding a ₹3 crore bribe to influence the CBI investigation into a fake pharmaceutical racket estimated at nearly ₹5,000 crore. Officials said the accused allegedly promised relief in the case and negotiated an advance payment of ₹1.5 crore.
Bribe Demand Linked To CBI Probe
According to officials, the case emerged during the investigation into the fake drug racket linked to Puducherry. Investigators came across claims that certain individuals could help secure a favourable outcome in the ongoing CBI probe.\
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The accused allegedly demanded ₹3 crore in return for influencing the investigation. Officials said an advance payment of ₹1.5 crore was discussed as part of the arrangement.
The larger fake drug syndicate is being investigated by the CBI and is believed to involve large-scale production and distribution of counterfeit medicines across multiple regions. Officials said the racket posed both financial and public health concerns.
Aerocity Meeting And Hawala Trail Under Scanner
Investigators said a key meeting was allegedly held in Delhi’s Aerocity area, where the main accused, associates and others were present. During the meeting, assurances were allegedly given that the course of the investigation could be influenced.
Sources said ₹1 crore was initially transferred through hawala channels to an intermediary in Delhi. Another ₹50 lakh was later routed separately.
During raids and follow-up searches, officials recovered about ₹24.70 lakh in cash. Investigators are now examining the financial trail, call records, digital evidence and possible links to other individuals connected with the alleged network.
Wider Influence Network Being Probed
Officials said the case appears to go beyond individual misconduct and may involve a wider network attempting to obstruct or manipulate the investigation process. Custodial interrogation has been initiated after the arrests.
The accused have denied the allegations in court proceedings and claimed they were falsely implicated. Investigators, however, maintain that documentary and financial evidence collected so far supports the probe.
A court has remanded the accused to one day of police custody. Agencies are now examining whether senior-level individuals, officials or influential intermediaries had any role in the alleged attempt to influence the ₹5,000 crore fake drug investigation.
