In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the premier anti-corruption agency of India, arrested a Mail Overseer and a Sub-Divisional Inspector of Posts (SDIP) in Chhattisgarh. The two were caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 37,000 from a complainant, a Branch Post Master in Deosundra, Balodabazar district. CBI registered a case against the accused on November 23rd, following a complaint lodged on 19 November by the Branch Post Master. It was alleged that during an inspection of the Deosundra Post Office conducted by the Mail Overseer and SDIP on 22 October, certain irregularities were purportedly found in the complainant’s discharge of duties. The complaint further revealed that on 11 November, the Mail Overseer summoned the complainant to the office of the SDIP in Balodabazar, where a bribe of Rs 60,000 was demanded to settle the matter and avoid action. Upon the complainant’s plea, the accused agreed to accept the bribe in two instalments - Rs 40,000 upfront and Rs 20,000 later.

 

 

The SDIP endorsed the demand and assured the complainant that no harm would come to her if the amount was paid. Acting swiftly, the CBI laid a trap and apprehended the Mail Overseer red-handed while accepting Rs 37,000 as part of the bribe on November 23rd. The money was recovered on the spot. Both the accused were arrested and were presented before the Court. CBI has initiated searches at the residential and official premises of the accused to uncover further evidence. Officials have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, focusing on potential systemic corruption in the postal department.