The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested S. Ramesh Kumar, an Assistant Labour Commissioner (Central) posted in Puducherry, along with a private intermediary, on charges of soliciting and accepting a bribe of INR 1 Lakh. The alleged payment aimed to expedite the issuance of two labour licenses for a contractor executing a National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project in Trichy. Bank payments were reportedly withheld pending licensure.
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Bribe Demand Set, Trap Laid, Arrest Made
The case was formally registered on August 21, prompting a swift sting operation by the CBI. Investigators revealed that the contractor’s human resources manager, Saravanakumar, facilitated the bribe through R. Elango, the intermediary. Although the demand was initially pegged at INR 1.5 Lakh, negotiations reportedly reduced it to INR 1 Lakh. When Elango handed over the money at Kumar’s office, CBI agents swept in to arrest both and recover the full sum.
Searches, Seizures, and Wider Implications
Following the arrest, CBI teams conducted searches at multiple locations: Kumar’s official workplace in Puducherry, KMC Associates’ offices in Theni, and the Commissioner’s residence in Rajasthan. Incriminating documents were seized during the raids. Besides Kumar and Elango, the CBI booked directors Arun Kumar and Shyam and HR manager Saravanakumar of KMC Associates. Both accused were remanded in judicial custody until September 4, pending further legal proceedings.
This case underscores persistent vulnerabilities in bureaucratic systems—especially in licensing frameworks tied to infrastructure projects. Delays from procedural gaps or withheld licenses often create high-pressure scenarios that can be exploited by corrupt intermediaries.
Why It Matters
With the NHAI pushing hundreds of kilometres of new highways, labour licenses are critical for contractors to receive payments and mobilise workforces. When procurement processes hinge on the prompt release of such permissions, corruption poses both financial and infrastructure delays. The CBI’s action sends a clear signal: licensing abuses—no matter how small in monetary terms—are being closely watched.
