Odisha ED Deputy Director Arrested by CBI in ₹20 Lakh Bribery Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested Chintan Raghuvanshi, Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Odisha, in connection with an alleged bribery case. The IRS officer is accused of demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹20 lakh from a mining businessman in Odisha. This high-profile arrest underscores ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government agencies and ensure accountability among public officials.
Unpacked:
Chintan Raghuvanshi is a 2013-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer who served as Deputy Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Odisha. The ED investigates financial crimes, and as Deputy Director, Raghuvanshi would have overseen probes, including those related to money laundering and financial irregularities.
The bribery operation was uncovered after the CBI received credible intelligence and a formal complaint. A trap was laid, and Raghuvanshi was caught red-handed while allegedly accepting the first installment of a ₹20 lakh bribe from a mining businessman in Bhubaneswar.
The bribe was reportedly sought in exchange for settling a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The illegal gratification was part of a larger sum initially pegged at ₹5 crore, which was later negotiated and settled for ₹2 crore.
This arrest highlights ongoing corruption risks within high-level government agencies and underscores the commitment of authorities like the CBI to enforce accountability. It may prompt the Enforcement Directorate to review internal oversight and reinforce anti-corruption measures, potentially restoring some public trust and deterring similar misconduct.