ED Officer on the Run with Cash-Laden Car: CBI on the Hunt

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a raid against Vishal Deep, an assistant director in the Enforcement Directorate (ED), for allegedly demanding a Rs 55 lakh bribe. Vishal, who was posted at the ED’s Shimla office, narrowly evaded arrest by fleeing in a car loaded with cash.

The operation by the CBI’s Chandigarh anti-corruption branch was part of an investigation into allegations of bribery involving Vishal and an individual under scrutiny by the ED. Reports indicate that the CBI had set up a trap to catch him red-handed on Sunday. While the officer managed to escape, the CBI recovered Rs 54 lakh from the scene, believed to be part of the demanded bribe.

Additional searches at Vishal’s ED office and his residence in Shimla revealed another Rs 56.5 lakh in cash, further deepening suspicions of corruption.

CBI Arrests Vishal’s Brother

As the investigation unfolded, the CBI detained Vishal’s brother, a senior manager at Punjab National Bank, who was later presented before a court. The authorities are now intensifying efforts to locate Vishal, who remains at large.

Action by the ED

Following the allegations and subsequent CBI raid, both Vishal and his supervisory officer, the Deputy Director, were transferred to the ED’s Delhi headquarters. Sources from the ED confirmed a strict zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, indicating that disciplinary action will follow once the investigation is complete.

Registrations Open for FutureCrime Summit 2025: India’s Largest Conference on Technology-Driven Crime

Wider Implications

This case is the latest in a series of corruption-related incidents involving ED officials, raising questions about accountability within the agency. Earlier, another ED officer was caught accepting a bribe of Rs 20 lakh.

Vishal Deep, an officer on deputation from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), was investigating cases of alleged misuse of funds in government schemes. The complainant in the current case accused Vishal of attempting to extort money during the probe.

A Growing Concern

The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, under which an FIR has been filed, underscores the severity of this case. Experts say such instances undermine the credibility of institutions tasked with upholding the law.

Follow The420.in on

 Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube