CBI Nabs Customs Deputy Commissioner in Bribery Scandal

The CBI has arrested Deputy Commissioner Om Prakash Bisht, Superintendent Amit Kumar, and Peon Bijender Kumar, along with Customs House Agent Ashok Yadav and his employee Ravi Kant Mishra, on bribery charges. The officials allegedly accepted bribes for customs clearance of import consignments and imposing reduced penalties.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended Customs Deputy Commissioner Om Prakash Bisht, his colleagues Superintendent Amit Kumar and Peon Bijender Kumar, alongside Customs House Agent (CHA) Ashok Yadav and his employee Ravi Kant Mishra, for allegedly accepting bribes to issue customs clearances for import consignments.

The CBI had registered an FIR against seven individuals, uncovering a scheme where Customs officials were taking illegal gratification in exchange for imposing reduced penalties on a Mumbai-based firm, Radha Marketing. Those arrested were reportedly in frequent contact, facilitating illicit payments for customs clearances.

The bribe was allegedly funneled through Peon Bijender Kumar's bank account and subsequently delivered to Bisht. A CBI spokesperson mentioned that a trap was set on August 9, 2024, during which Bisht, Bijender, and Ashok Yadav were caught exchanging Rs. 72,000. Superintendent Amit Kumar, who had previously accepted a bribe of Rs. 50,000, was also detained. Searches across multiple locations led to the recovery of documents and cash totaling Rs. 19.25 lakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)