The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a case against two officials from North Central Railway. They are accused of soliciting a bribe to facilitate the transfer of a senior assistant loco pilot from Kanpur to Prayagraj on the grounds of spousal relocation. This investigation highlights ongoing concerns regarding corruption within public service sectors.
The CBI’s Anti-Corruption Branch, Lucknow, registered the FIR on Sept 10 against Arvind Kumar , assistant personnel officer (APO), office of the Divisional Railway Manager, Prayagraj division, and Rajendra Mani Tripathi, office superintendent in the APO office. The case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to criminal conspiracy. Complainant Ashish Kesarwani, a senior assistant loco pilot posted at Prayagraj, approached the CBI on September 8, according to the FIR. Tripathi allegedly demanded Rs 70,000 to facilitate the transfer.
His wife, Simmi Kesarwani, is posted as a senior assistant loco pilot at GMC Lobby, Kanpur, and is presently working at Prayagraj Lobby on loan. She had applied for a permanent transfer to Prayagraj on spouse grounds. The FIR alleges that when the couple visited the DRM office to ascertain the status of her application, they met APO Arvind Kumar, who directed them to Tripathi.
During verification, the alleged demand was substantiated at Rs 50,000 involving both officials, following which a regular case was registered. Stay updated with the latest Prayagraj news.
The CBI said it discreetly verified the complaint and found prima facie substance in the allegations. The investigation has been entrusted to CBI Inspector Devesh Kumar of the Lucknow ACB. Download the TOI App.