CBI Cracks Down: HPCL Sales Officer Nabbed in Bribery Scandal

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a sales officer from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) in Maharashtra for accepting a Rs 1 lakh bribe. The officer, Pratik Tagale, had initially demanded Rs 2 lakh to facilitate the handover of a company retail outlet.

In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation has apprehended a sales officer from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) on allegations of bribery. The officer, identified as Pratik Tagale, was caught accepting a bribe in Chandrapur, Maharashtra.

According to officials, Tagale had allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 2 lakh to facilitate the transfer of a retail outlet to the company's proprietor. The complainant was unable to provide the full amount upfront, leading to an agreement on an initial installment of Rs 1 lakh.

Acting on a tip-off, the CBI set a trap and arrested Tagale while he was accepting the bribe from the proprietor's husband. The incident underscores ongoing efforts to tackle corruption within corporate and governmental entities.

(With inputs from agencies.)