CBI arrests Regional Commissioner EPFO in bribery case

"A case was registered against Regional Commissioner-I, Regional Office, Chennai Region, Employees Provident Fund Organisation, Chennai; a Chennai based Group of Institutions; two Enforcement Officers of EPFO and a private person(Conduit). It was alleged that Regional Commissioner-I had demanded a sum of Rs.25 lakhs from said Group of Institutions, Chennai, as illegal gratification, for favouring the said Institution in the matter of subterfuge of wages for the purpose of Provident Fund deduction/remittance in respect of their employees," a CBI statement said.

 

The CBI laid a trap and intercepted a vehicle in which the Regional Commissioner–I was travelling immediately after collection of alleged bribe of Rs. 14.5 lakhs from a conduit. 

 

It was also revealed that said bribe was allegedly handed over by the Estate Officer-cum-PRO of said Institution to conduit. He was also arrested.

 

Searches were conducted at the residence and office chamber of Regional Commissioner and also 18 other places including the premises of conduit which led to recovery of several incriminating documents and property documents. The searches are still continuing.

 

The arrested accused are being produced today before the Special Judge for CBI Cases in Chennai.

 

The CBI said that further investigation is continuing.