In a major anti-corruption operation, a central investigation agency has arrested three individuals, including a senior engineer from the postal department and two banking functionaries, for allegedly accepting bribes in separate cases in Uttar Pradesh. The action stems from allegations that the accused demanded illegal payments in exchange for facilitating government-related financial benefits, including the release of pending dues and processing documents required under a government subsidy scheme.
According to investigators, the arrests were made following complaints from individuals who alleged that officials had sought money to perform duties that were part of their official responsibilities. The agency described the operation as part of its continuing efforts to curb corruption in public institutions and ensure transparency in the delivery of government services.
The Postal Division Files and Trap Operation
In the first case, an Executive Engineer posted with the Postal Civil Division in Prayagraj was allegedly caught while accepting a bribe of ₹1.50 lakh. Investigators said a contractor had approached authorities claiming that the engineer was demanding money to move forward files related to pending payments for completed works. The complaint further alleged that a portion of the demanded amount had already been paid earlier and that additional payments were being sought to secure approval and release of outstanding bills.
Officials said the contractor had undertaken multiple construction and development projects linked to the postal department across several districts. Payments amounting to nearly ₹40 lakh for those projects were reportedly pending. The engineer is accused of demanding bribes in return for processing the files and ensuring that the dues were cleared through the official system.
After receiving the complaint, investigators conducted a preliminary verification and registered a formal case. A trap operation was subsequently planned, during which the accused was allegedly apprehended while accepting the bribe amount. Following the arrest, search operations were carried out at locations linked to the engineer, including residential and other associated premises.
Authorities stated that several documents relating to assets, investments, and financial holdings were recovered during the searches. These documents are currently being examined to determine whether they are linked to any disproportionate assets or other irregular financial activities. Investigators have indicated that the scope of the inquiry could expand depending on the findings.
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Subsidies and Branch Misconduct
The second case emerged from Kanpur Dehat, where a bank branch manager and a banking correspondent were arrested for allegedly accepting ₹15,000 as a bribe. The complaint alleged that the two had demanded ₹25,000 from an applicant seeking documents required to claim interest subsidy benefits under the Pandit Deendayal Gramodyog Rozgar Yojana.
According to investigators, the complainant was asked to pay money in exchange for obtaining the necessary paperwork and procedural approvals required under the scheme. After receiving the complaint, the agency registered a case and deployed a special team to conduct a trap operation.
Officials said both accused were allegedly caught while accepting part of the demanded amount. Investigators emphasized that seeking bribes in connection with government welfare and employment schemes undermines public trust and deprives eligible beneficiaries of services intended for them.
Sources familiar with the investigation said searches have also been conducted at locations connected to the two banking officials. Authorities are examining financial transactions, bank records, and property-related documents to determine whether the alleged misconduct was part of a larger pattern of corruption.
Anti-corruption experts note that complaints involving public contracts, bill clearances, subsidies, and financial approvals continue to be among the most common forms of bribery allegations. They argue that greater digitization, transparent approval systems, and real-time monitoring mechanisms can significantly reduce opportunities for discretionary decision-making and corruption.
The three accused have been taken into custody and are expected to be produced before a court. Investigators have said that all aspects of the cases will be examined thoroughly and that further action will be taken if evidence reveals the involvement of additional individuals. The operation is being viewed as a significant step toward strengthening accountability and integrity within public administration and financial institutions.
