Union Home Minister's Medal Forfeited Amid Corruption Scandal

The Union Home Minister's medal for Excellence in Investigation awarded to CBI Inspector Rahul Raj has been forfeited following corruption charges. Raj and others were caught accepting a bribe, prompting swift dismissal under anti-corruption measures. The CBI's stringent internal vigilance was a key factor in the decision.

The Union Home Minister's esteemed medal for Excellence in Investigation, conferred upon CBI Inspector Rahul Raj in 2023, has been forfeited following allegations of corruption. This action follows his arrest for allegedly accepting a Rs 10 lakh bribe. He has since been dismissed from service, as per official sources.

CBI Director Praveen Sood played a pivotal role in this decision, advocating for a strong stance against corrupt practices uncovered during the agency's internal vigilance operations. On May 19, Raj was apprehended while allegedly accepting a bribe from Malay College of Nursing chairman Anil Bhaskaran and his wife, both of whom were also arrested.

The move to revoke Raj's medal aligns with the CBI's zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, as articulated by Sood, who stressed the necessity of internal vigilance. In addition to Raj, two other officers were dismissed under Article 311, and five faced compulsory retirement under rule 56J in 2023-24.

(With inputs from agencies.)